Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

PERSONNEL:

EARL GARDNER, JOE MORELLO, GLENN DREWES, SCOTT WENDHOLT, trumpets
JOHN MOSCA, LUIS BONILLA. JASON JACKSON, DOUGLAS PURVIANCE, trombone
DICK OATES, BILLY DREWES, alto & soprano sax, flute
RICH PERRY, tenor sax, flute
RALPH LALAMA, tenor sax, clarinet
GARY SMULYAN, baritone sax, clarinet
JIM McNEELY, piano
DENNIS IRWIN, bass
JOHN RILEY, drums
Additional trumpet/flugelhorn by Frank Greene.

New Jersey, December: 1, 2, 3, 2003

TRACKS:

01. You Asked For It
Inspiration: Suite for Jazz Orchestra (Inspired by John Coltrane)
02. Part l: One For Thad
03. Part ll: Strayhorn
04. Part lll: Gil
05. Part lV: Dameron
06. Past Present & Future
07. The Way
08. Frame for The Blues

All music composed and arranged by Locksley "Slide" Hampton.

Description: In 1978, Jones left for Europe, while Lewis remained leader until his death in 1990. It is a testament to their leadership that the organization continues today, performing under the same high standards. One way to keep the band fresh is to keep its members excited about their repertoire, and by keeping its book stocked with new charts by different arrangers.

Review: "Hampton's new pieces are winners - especially "Past Present and Future," with its infectious fanfares and Gary Smulyan's croaking baritone solo..."Frame for the Blues" sends the VJO into orbit. Revamped for the VJO, it becomes a donnybrook between Hampton and fellow trombonist Jason Jackson." - Francis Davis