Bill Holman

The complete recordings by one of the most original big bands in the history of jazz. This release contains all three albums recorded by Bill Holman with his original big band in its entirety, plus a good example of his early octet sessions, which give ample proof of his genius as an arranger, composer and saxophonist. Includes 20-page comprehensive booklet.

CD 1, #1-6: "The Fabulous Bill Holman": Recorded in Los Angeles, April 25-29, 1957. CD 1, #7-14 & CD 2, #1: "Big Band In A Jazz Orbit":
Recorded in Los Angeles, February 11-14, 1958. CD 2, #2-12: "Bill Holman’s Great Big Band": Recorded in Los Angeles, June-July 1960. *Bonus Tracks: CD 2, #13-22: "Bill Holman Octet":
Recorded in Los Angeles, May-August 1954.

Featuring: Conte Candoli, Al Porcino, Ray Linn, Jack Sheldon, Frank Rosolino, Joe Maini, Herb Geller, Charlie Mariano, Richie Kamuca, Charlie Kennedy, Victor Feldman, Jimmy Rowles, Joe Mondragon & Mel Lewis, among others.

Tracks CD 1: 1. Bright Eyes, 2. You And I, 3. Evil Eyes, 4. Airegin, 5. Come Rain Or Come Shine, 6. The Big Street, 7. Kissin’ Bug, 8. The Man I Love, 9. Goodbye, 10. You Go To My Head, 11. After You’ve Gone, 12. Far Down Below, 13. No Heat, 14. Theme & Variations #2. Total Time: 75:29 mins.

Tracks CD 2: 1. Aura, 2. Quickstep, 3. The Moon Is Blue, 4. June Is Busting Out All Over, 5. Speak Low, 6. Lush Life, 7. Shadrack, 8. In A Sentimental Mood, 9. Stereoso, 10. Ol’ Man River, 11. Spinuet, 12. The Gentleman Is A Dope, 13. Sparkle*, 14. Tanglefoot*, 15. Song Without Words*, 16. Awfully Busy*, 17. Plain Folks*, 18. Back To Minors*, 19. Cousin Jack*, 20. On The Town*, 21. Jughaid*, 22. Locomotion*. Total Time: 74:07 mins.

Although Bill Holman has amassed a prolific discography as a composer, arranger and saxophone soloist during his impressively long career, there is a surprising dearth of recordings under his own name during his first three decades as an active musician. Apart from the 1954-55 octet sessions presented by Stan Kenton (many of which have been added here as bonus tracks at the end of CD2), his albums are limited to the three big band LPs compiled here on one complete 2-CD set.