Jersey Jazz

by Joe Lang

Mark  Buselli

feat. Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra

An Old Soul

Trumpeter MARK BUSELLI has been the co-leader with trombonist Brent Wallarab of the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, a powerful mid-West big band based in Indiana, since 1994. Their prior albums have featured arrangements by both of the leaders as well as some other band members. For An Old Soul (Owl - 130), they concentrate on charts conceived by Buselli. This is a band that adapts to any setting from the gently moody "Chelsea Bridge," featuring some wonderful baritone sax playing by Ned Boyd, to the fiercely swinging Buselli original "135 B. Chiswick." Put a talented vocalist like Kelleen Strutz in front of the band, and they sound great playing the settings penned by Buselli. Strutz is featured on five of the eleven selections, Jobim's "If You Never Come to Me," sing nicely in Portuguese and English, "Angel Eyes," "Open Up Your Heart," an original tune by Buselli with lyrics by Jennifer Johnson, "If I Should Leave You," and "When I Fall in Love." She has a seductive voice that is wonderfully complemented by Buselli's arrangements. The title track is dedicated to Buselli's late golden retriever, and shows off his sensitive creativity as both composer and arranger. There are plans underfoot to follow up this impressive album with on featuring the arrangements of Brent Wallarab. Having heard his work on prior releases, it promises to be an equally fine collection of modern big band jazz.