CD. Recorded at the third annual March of Jazz party put on by Mat and Rachel Domber of Arbors Records, this concert gave Bob Wilber a rare opportunity to put together a big band and present his own charts. Of the 16 songs, 11 are his originals, and in general, despite the fresh repertoire, the music is in the style of Benny Goodman's Orchestra with touches of Ellington and Basie. Wilber is generally the main soloist, and although there are short spots for many of the notable players (which include trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and pianist Dick Hyman), the emphasis is mostly on the written ensembles and often moody melodies. Pug Horton sings on about half the songs in the same straightforward and lightly swinging manner as Helen Ward did with BG 60 years ago. None of Wilber's originals are destined to become standards, but taken as a whole, they are quite enjoyable. After performing the tightly controlled music, the band had the opportunity to close the concert with a rousing rendition of "Jumpin' at the Woodside" that features solos from a dozen of the musicians, including a tenor player using the pseudonym of "Shoeless Henry Aaron" who I am unable to positively identify (Harry Allen?). Although not an essential release, this CD should interest swing collectors. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
