Notes:
When Mark Buselli and I started the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra back in 1994, our conception was that of an entirely instrumental group. While we were not opposed to including vocalists from time to time, this was not our primary artistic objective. Yet, here we are 14 years later, presenting our third collaboration with Everett Green. There are many competent vocalists who aspire to sing with a big band, but artists like Everett are one in a million. From the first moment we shared the stage with this gracious and class gentleman, we embraced a partnership that has been inspiring and rich with musical reward. These arrangements were scored specifically to be presented at our annual concerts held on or around Valentine’s Day with no plans to record. However, in listening to Everett sing Alec Wilder’s gem: “I’ll Be Around” or Lerner and Lowe’s beautifully reflective “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face”, you’ll know why we decided to share this music with a larger audience. Guest vocalist Cynthia Lane provides a welcome feminine counterpoint to Greene and we are sure you will enjoy the performances of this remarkable woman.

The music featured here is from our smaller big band formation, influenced somewhat by the ensembles of Marty Paitch: 2 trumpets, trombone, bass trombone, French horn, 3 saxes, and 3 rhythm. Economic advantages aside, this set-up provides a lighter sound, more intimate in many ways, yet capable of producing the impact of a full big band. Many of the arrangements are consciously smaller-scale as well. Sometimes, a single statement of the tune is all that is needed, as repetition can diffuse the intimacy of simple poetry.

Thanks for listening. -- Brent Wallarab...


Artist Roster:
Brent Wallarab: Arranger, conductor, trombone
Mike Stricklin: Woodwinds
Rob Dixon: Woodwinds
Tom Meyer: Woodwinds
Jeff Conrad: Trumpet and flugelhorn
Mark Buselli: Trumpet and flugelhorn
Loy Hetrick: Trombone
Richard Dole: Bass trombone
Celeste Holler-Seraphinoff: Horn
Luke Gillespie: Piano
Jack Helsley: Bass
Bryson Kern: Drums
Deno Sanders: Drums
Everett Greene: Vocals
Cynthia Layne: Vocals



Track Listing:
1. My Romance
2. Where or When
3. L-O-V-E
4. Watch What Happens
5. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
6. Wonderland
7. I'll Be Around
8. This Can't Be Love
9. Avalon
10. My Foolish Heart
11. More Than You Know
12. Teach Me Tonight
13. My Funny Valentine



Reviews:

The Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra's Where or When is an elegantly constructed piece of music. It's 13 tracks run the gamut of swinging big band magic and tender, gentle balladry. With Layne and Green providing remarkable vocals and the band's professionalism cruising passionately, Where or When makes for a terrific nightcap. - PICO (BlogCritics Magazine)


The CD is completely of standards, which alone ought to prove attractive, especially when Wallarab & Buselli favor Hart & Rodgers so much. More, Rob Dixon from the Dixon-Rhyne Project (reviewed here) is a group member, sitting in on tenor, though of a markedly different flavor from that marvelous fusion group. As if all this weren't enough, both the band leaders have been called upon by the creme de la creme for their arranging talents: Wynton & Branford Marsalis, Makoto Ozone, Natalie Cole, The Count Basie Band, The Artie Shaw Band, and many others. If there's higher praise for this sort of sound, I'm damned if I know what it is. - MARK S. TURNER (F.A.M.E)