Album Review: Mazel Tov Kocktail from Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine

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Album:  Mazel Tov Kocktail
Artist:  Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine
Label:  Tallman Productions
Website:  https://www.bigbandjazzmachine.com
https://theirablissbigbandjazzmachine.bandcamp.com

Celebrating its 40 anniversary, The Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine's 6th CD Mazel Tov Kocktail projects warm and upbeat sensations from start to finish.  Conducted and produced by Liss, the release is comprised of original compositions by saxophonist Andrew Neu, arranger Dan Radlauer, pianist Scott Arcangel, trombonist Peter Herbozheimer, and composers/bandleaders Alan Baylock and George Stone.   The recording celebrates the liveliness and bliss that big band orchestrations.  The slate of tunes is a mix of jazz standards from both the 20th and 21st centuries polished to a clarion zest.

Vocalist Carly Ines makes "High Wire" and "Love You Madly" pop with an infectious exuberance that the listener can't resist.  Her scatting vocalese gives the tracks a playful vibe.  Another standout characteristic is the funky streak in Nathan East's bass on "The Final Frontier," injecting the recording with catchy bobbing grooves that expand from the big band framework of "Gimme That," clasped in American swing style jaunts.

The prancing rhythm of pianist Steve Sibley on "You'd Better Love Me While You May" features the silky vocal timbres of Janet Hammer that swathe listeners in warm ethers.  Switching to a Hava Nagila beat with Klezmer trimmings on the title track, the horns permeate lively and pleasing sensations entangled in the rollicking whirlwind of Dan Radlauer's juggling accordion keys.  The bossa nova swagger of "Where or When" closes the recording with swells of blissful raptures, engulfing the listener in a balmy atmosphere.

Based in Southern California, the Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine injects fun into their audience's lifestyle.  The band’s 6th offering features new compositions and newly imagined arrangements of standards that celebrate traditional American swing with embellishments of funk, bossa nova, and Klezmer accents added into the mix.

Musicians:
Saxophones: Tyler Richardson, Josh Smitley, Greg Armstrong, Nicholas Hoo, April Leslie, Malcom Jones, David Castel De Oro
Trombones:  Gary Bucher, David Barnard, Carly Ines, Tim Hall
Trumpets:  Randy Aviles, Mark Nicholson, Jeff Beck, Jack Houghton
Vocals:  Janet Hammer (6, 8, 12), Carly Ines (2, 4, 10)
Steve Sibley - piano
Lance Jeppesen - bass
Charlie "Stix" McGhee III - drums
Melanie Medina - guitar
Robert Cartwright - guitar
Noah Ines - Latin percussion
Matt DiBiase - vibraphone

Special Guests:
Nathan East - bass
Andrew Neu - saxophone
Dan Radlauer - accordion
Mike Vax - trumpet

 

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