Although this ensemble previously recorded under the name Audubon Jazz Explosion (the moniker derived from the northwestern Philadelphia suburb which was the residence of one of the band’s then-leaders), the Cole Porter classic (one of two on this CD) lends its title very aptly, as the recording displays the breadth of the ensemble’s repertoire.

From the library of the late, lamented Tonight Show Band comes Jeff Tyzik’s update of “In the Mood” (including a bridge played by Artie Shaw in an early aircheck but later cut by Glenn Miller in his hit version), plus the Tommy Newsom arrangement of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia on My Mind” (here erroneously credited to the late Ray Charles), in which trumpeter Jay Webb nails Doc Severinsen’s solo.

Female singer Karen Wilhelm combines the smoky alto of Diana Krall with the torchy theatricality of Patti LuPone on the title track, the Gershwins’ “S’Wonderful”, and the Mexican “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”, while male vocalist Keith Spencer brings his polished tenor to two Frank Sinatra stalwarts (“Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”) and the Dean Martin hit “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”.

Altoist Vince Lardear, who has also been featured with Philly’s Phil Giordano Jazz Orchestra, proves the band’s premier jazzman on the Jule Styne/Sammy Cahn “Time After Time”, and the co-leader Bob Wagner (his partner is guitarist and co-founder Mike DiFebbo) brings his trumpet to center stage on “Take the ‘A’ Train”.

Expertly recorded by keyboardist Tom Petroski in the auditorium of Plymouth/Whitemarsh High School (where BBI’s Mike Vax and his Stan Kenton alumni band performed some five years ago), Night and Day adds one more outstanding big band to the recorded output from the Philadelphia area.

Robert J. Robbins
USA Secretary
Big Bands International

Back to AV page