Sneakin Up on Spring

Thin Air Jazz is a twelve piece big band in the tradition of Count Basie, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and Gerry Mulligan. Leader/valve-trombonist Phil Allen has written original music to spotlight individual soloists on the band as well as the band's hard driving ensemble playing. 'Thanks Rob' is a dedication to Rob McConnell in the style of the Boss Brass. 'Lines' is a swinging blues with great solos and not so traditional 'shout choruses.' 'Lusaka' (the capital city of Zambia) harkens back to the 'soul jazz' of the 60's and 70's. 'For Strayhorn' an alto saxophone ballad feature dedicated to the great Billy Strayhorn. 'Buster' (dedicated to my 14lb west highland terrier) is a swinger. 'Sneakin' up on Spring' and 'Walks at San Gregorio' are both bossa novas. Thin Air Jazz has been performing in Colorado for over three years and has consistently delivered wonderfully entertaining shows with something for every kind of jazz fan. ' Hey Phil, I just received the new 'Sneakin' Up On Spring' CD from you. It's beautiful! It's very well-recorded and the playing is at very high level. Great soloists and a balanced ensemble throughout. The writing is wonderful. There's lots of contrast from the beautiful latin feels to the swingin' blues. You can always hear all of the inner parts. It takes a good orchestrator and a disciplined band to do that. Congratulations on a fine recording! Steve' Steve Allee Pianist/composer.