Big Band Royalty: The Anderson Brothers Big Band

By Alix Cohen

The Big Band Era spanned roughly from the early 1930s to the late 1940s. It was the golden age of large jazz orchestras lead by icons. Evolving from New Orleans style dance and jazz, its style flourished with the rise of swing music- energetic rhythms, call/response, improvisation.

Big bands dominated radio, dance halls, and film shaping American popular music. By the late 1940s, changing tastes and economic pressures lead to smaller groups. Judging by the sold-out crowd at Birdland, diehard fans exist. Once again, the Andersons have assembled a sterling group.

The band opens with “Blues in Hoss’ Flat.” (Frank Foster) Composed in 1958, recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra, the piece showcases Foster’s knack for catchy, sophisticated riffs. Music arrives in layers. This is post swing jazz. Count Basie’s “Swingin’ the Blues” blends smooth sax riffs with punchy bass and steady swing rhythm. Fancy fingerwork replaces the fancy footwork of jitterbug. The tune is confident and full of swagger. On drums, Alex Raderman excels.

“Corner Pocket” (Freddie Green) melds snappy parentheses with a laid back groove. It’s easy going, mid-tempo, smooth. Originally composed in 1955, the tune later acquired lyrics by Donald E. Wolf under the title “If I Met You”: “I used to be so fancy free/But really lonesome as could be…”

“The Carioca” (Vincent Youmans) is a flirtatious dance from Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers’ Flying Down to Rio. Latin syncopation meets Broadway here. It’s rhythmic and happy. Does Will Anderson have four– jointed fingers controlling his clarinet? Melody goes zipping between others like a jester.

Thelonious Monk’s iconic “Round Midnight” begins with Peter Anderson’s molasses sax. Piano creates flickering shadows. (Dalton Ridenhour) Will Anderson’s flute notes remain pure even swift and successive. Haunting melody and rich harmony evokes emotions that surface when the world slows. Dizzy lead the band wearing a necktie with Duke Ellington’s face.

“I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” (George Bassman) was Tommy Dorsey’s theme song. Its romantic melody features dreamy trombone. (the Anderson’s former teacher, Matt Musselman) The tune is nostalgic, full of old school charm.

“Sing, Sing, Sing” (Louis Prima) arrives high energy swing with expansive drums, blaring horns, infectious rhythm. Originally recorded in 1936, it became iconic through Benny Goodman’s electrifying version featuring Gene Krupa’s drum solos. Again, Raderman steps up. ‘A finale of relentless ebullience and drive.

The Andersons get it and play it. This is an all-star 15 piece orchestra.

Watch for the shows where Will narrates history integrated with performance.
Big Band Royalty: The Anderson Brothers Big Band
Birdland 315 West 44th Street
https://www.birdlandjazz.com/