“Menza Lines”
The Don Menza Big Band
Jazzed Media (JM1009)Legendary Tenor Saxophonist Don Menza brings us his big band recorded in Los Angeles in 2004. This is the first Don Menza Big Band recording since Don’s famous “Burnin’” album of the early 1980’s.
Don is joined by such jazz stars as Bobby Shew, Frank Szabo, Chuck Findley, Lanny Morgan, Jack Nimitz, Bill Reichenbach, Don Rader, Ron King, Bob McChesney, and Chris Conner.
Review:
“There is just cause to hail the realization of this recording. It is the first Menza big band recording since 1981 when his heralded “Burnin’” album made a resounding statement. The drought has finally ended with “Menza Lines”—a knock out ‘live’ recording.
The Menza band was further endowed with the exact same powerful 5-man trumpet section which played on his “Burnin’” record—(Chuck Findley, Ron King, Don Rader, Bobby Shew and Frank Szabo), likewise in the case of alumnus trombonist Bill Reichenbach and baritone saxophonist Jack Nimitz. Reconvening with players from the past inherently paid off in the band’s overall quality performance and experience quotient.
With conviction and candor Menza declares ‘We should all hold our heads high. There’s no gimmicks and no submissions to current trends or popular styles. I play and write what I feel— nothing more, nothing less.’ Amen. Menza Lines—all aboard!”
--Dr. Herb Wong
Past-President, IAJE
Alumnus, KJAZ Radio- San FranciscoWe’ve been waiting for this new recording for years. This band cooks LIVE!.
Selections:
- Gravy (aka Walkin’)
- Nina Never Knew
- T ‘n’ T
HEAR IT! (0.7 MB MP3)- Faviana
HEAR IT! (0.8 MB MP3)- Hark’ The Harold
HEAR IT! (0.6 MB MP3)- Broad Bottom
- Prelude To A Kiss
HEAR IT! (1.0 MB MP3)- Time To Leave
HEAR IT! (0.7 MB MP3)
Personnel: Don Menza (Leader & Tenor Sax)
Trumpets:
Chuck Findley
Bobby Shew
Don Rader
Ron King
Frank Szabo
Trombones:
Bill Reichenbach
Alex Iles
Bob McChesney
John Hasselback
Reeds:
Lanny Morgan
Russ D’Alba
Doug Webb
Tom Peterson
Jack Nimitz
Rhythm Section:
Mike Abene (piano)
Chris Conner (bass)
Mark Waggoner (guitar)
Mike Shephans (drums)
