By Ric Bang
Buy CD: Lab 2017
I’ve
always been partial to colleges that offer degrees in jazz. The University of North
Texas is one of many and, in fact, was the first to do so. The school formed
a stage band as far back as 1923, performing Friday night concerts that were
broadcast live from a Fort Worth radio station. The unit really became famous in
1927, and in 1947 North Texas launched the world’s first jazz degree program.
Things have accelerated ever since, and the program’s faculty, students and
graduates are legion.
The
One O’Clock Lab Band — named for the class rehearsal time — is one of nine such
university units, all of which use standard 19-piece instrumentation: five
reeds, five trumpets, five trombones, piano, bass, guitar and drums.
The
band director for this album is Alan Baylock; all charts were arranged by band
members. Only three are from the Great American Jazz Standards book: Harold
Arlen’s “My Shining Hour,” Chick Corea’s “500 Miles High” and Ellington’s “I’m Beginning
to See the Light.” Every track is a gem, but my favorite is the opener, “My
Shining Hour.” It’s a real
barn-burner; I haven’t heard a track that swings like that in years.
The
band is stunning.
Two
words say it all: swinging and meticulous. You can’t often group those words,
because one of the key factors in jazz is spontaneity; that sometimes leads to
fluffs or mistakes. Not so with his group; it’s one of the best-rehearsed units
I’ve ever encountered.
Fortunately
for all jazz fans — and this blog’s readers — North Texas’ many years of
operation, and its excellence, have produced an extensive discography starring the
various Lab Bands.
Don’t miss this album ...
and stay tuned for more equally fine releases from the University of North
Texas!
