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Album Review: Bill Mobley Jazz Orchestra Live At Small's Vol 1
The difficulties of keeping a big band together are enormous, but trumpeter/flugelhornist Bill Mobley's
efforts in the York City area pay off immensely as documented in the first of two CDs recorded in 1996 at
Small's. With some of the finest musicians based in the city (including Jon Gordon, Bill Easley, Greg Gisbert
and Tony Reedus to name but a few) and several notable guests, this is a band that musicians will especially
appreciate. Mobley's arrangement of pianist Mulgrew Miller's "Farewell to Dogma" is a masterpiece, never
falling into predictability, and the solos by its composer and soprano saxophonist Billy Pierce add to the
freshness of this performance. The leader's "49th Street" is a snappy reworking of the chord changes to
"Lover," while his rich flugelhorn and Donald Brown's intense piano solo are the focus of Mobley's
"Judgement Day." Other memorable charts, by Brown, Harold Mabern, and James Williams (all special
guests on the two dates heard on this CD), are very bit as potent as Mobley's writing. This release is easily
one of the most enjoyable large jazz ensembles recorded during the final decade of the 20th century, and
post-bop fans should snap up this French release (and its companion second volume) without further ado. ~
Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
The difficulties of keeping a big band together are enormous, but trumpeter/flugelhornist Bill Mobley's
efforts in the York City area pay off immensely as documented in the first of two CDs recorded in 1996 at
Small's. With some of the finest musicians based in the city (including Jon Gordon, Bill Easley, Greg Gisbert
and Tony Reedus to name but a few) and several notable guests, this is a band that musicians will especially
appreciate. Mobley's arrangement of pianist Mulgrew Miller's "Farewell to Dogma" is a masterpiece, never
falling into predictability, and the solos by its composer and soprano saxophonist Billy Pierce add to the
freshness of this performance. The leader's "49th Street" is a snappy reworking of the chord changes to
"Lover," while his rich flugelhorn and Donald Brown's intense piano solo are the focus of Mobley's
"Judgement Day." Other memorable charts, by Brown, Harold Mabern, and James Williams (all special
guests on the two dates heard on this CD), are very bit as potent as Mobley's writing. This release is easily
one of the most enjoyable large jazz ensembles recorded during the final decade of the 20th century, and
post-bop fans should snap up this French release (and its companion second volume) without further ado. ~
Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Album Review: Bill Mobley Jazz Orchestra Live At Small's Vol 2
Over a two-day stretch in 1966 trumpeter and flügelhornist Bill Mobley assembled an all-star big band plus
a few special guests at Small's in New York City for this live recording. This second volume emphasizes
works written by four of the guests. "Second Thoughts" is by Mulgrew Miller, who also takes over the
piano chair for this number. With his powerful solo, plus those by the leader and alto saxophonist Jon
Gordon along with Mobley's brilliant scoring of the band, this post-bop chart is an obvious winner. Tenor
saxophonist Billy Pierce, another guest, contributed the driving hard bop vehicle "Sudan Blue," which
showcases the blistering trombone of Pat Hallaran, as well as pianist Donald Brown and its composer. One
of the late J.J. Johnson's most beloved tunes is the ballad "Lament," which spotlights Mobley's gorgeous
flügelhorn solo. Pianist James Williams plays piano on his composition "For My Nephews," a soulful piece
with a strong vocal by Miles Griffith (who also scats a bit). Donald Brown returns to the keyboard for his
"Affaire d'Amour," a buoyant work that proves why so many jazz artists are attracted to his compositions.
The excellent liner notes by Loren Schoenberg are an added bonus to this rewarding live compilation by the
Bill Mobley Jazz Orchestra, which has since been reissued together with the first volume by Blue
Geodesics. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Over a two-day stretch in 1966 trumpeter and flügelhornist Bill Mobley assembled an all-star big band plus
a few special guests at Small's in New York City for this live recording. This second volume emphasizes
works written by four of the guests. "Second Thoughts" is by Mulgrew Miller, who also takes over the
piano chair for this number. With his powerful solo, plus those by the leader and alto saxophonist Jon
Gordon along with Mobley's brilliant scoring of the band, this post-bop chart is an obvious winner. Tenor
saxophonist Billy Pierce, another guest, contributed the driving hard bop vehicle "Sudan Blue," which
showcases the blistering trombone of Pat Hallaran, as well as pianist Donald Brown and its composer. One
of the late J.J. Johnson's most beloved tunes is the ballad "Lament," which spotlights Mobley's gorgeous
flügelhorn solo. Pianist James Williams plays piano on his composition "For My Nephews," a soulful piece
with a strong vocal by Miles Griffith (who also scats a bit). Donald Brown returns to the keyboard for his
"Affaire d'Amour," a buoyant work that proves why so many jazz artists are attracted to his compositions.
The excellent liner notes by Loren Schoenberg are an added bonus to this rewarding live compilation by the
Bill Mobley Jazz Orchestra, which has since been reissued together with the first volume by Blue
Geodesics. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Album Review: Triple Bill
Trumpeter Bill Mobley is the consummate sideman, having performed on countless gigs and recording
sessions with the likes of Donald Brown and Geoff Keezer. Here, though, Triple Bill features Mobley as
leader, showcasing not only his fantastic trumpet solo chops, but also his post-bop compositions and refined
arranging skills. Mobley has a supple trumpet style that references both the fuzzy moan of Miles Davis and
scientific lines of Booker Little. His songs hint at Latin styles, progressive postmodernism, and
straight-ahead bop. He is definitely one of the many overlooked musicians of his generation deserving of a
wider audience. Joining in the proceedings are saxophonists Billy Pierce and Bill Easley on tenor and alto
sax, respectively. Piano giant Kenny Barron easily holds his own, adding elegance to an already classy
ensemble. Rounding out the rhythm section are the ever-capable hands of bassist Christian McBride and
legendary drummer and teacher Alan Dawson. Sadly, Dawson succumbed to leukemia not long after
making this recording. Fortunately, Triple Bill is a superb record of one of his last sessions, thanks to
Mobley's impeccable taste and abilities. This is an urbane, moody gem of an album. ~ Matt Collar, All Music
Guide
Trumpeter Bill Mobley is the consummate sideman, having performed on countless gigs and recording
sessions with the likes of Donald Brown and Geoff Keezer. Here, though, Triple Bill features Mobley as
leader, showcasing not only his fantastic trumpet solo chops, but also his post-bop compositions and refined
arranging skills. Mobley has a supple trumpet style that references both the fuzzy moan of Miles Davis and
scientific lines of Booker Little. His songs hint at Latin styles, progressive postmodernism, and
straight-ahead bop. He is definitely one of the many overlooked musicians of his generation deserving of a
wider audience. Joining in the proceedings are saxophonists Billy Pierce and Bill Easley on tenor and alto
sax, respectively. Piano giant Kenny Barron easily holds his own, adding elegance to an already classy
ensemble. Rounding out the rhythm section are the ever-capable hands of bassist Christian McBride and
legendary drummer and teacher Alan Dawson. Sadly, Dawson succumbed to leukemia not long after
making this recording. Fortunately, Triple Bill is a superb record of one of his last sessions, thanks to
Mobley's impeccable taste and abilities. This is an urbane, moody gem of an album. ~ Matt Collar, All Music
Guide
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By Nick Mondello All About Jazz