Larry Kart Posted June 5, 2008 Report Posted June 5, 2008 "Beautiful Love" on "In the Red" by the D.S.M. Big Band (D.S.M. refers to Des Moines, Iowa -- who knew that a city of that size and locale could have a band this good?) Dick Oatts is the featured guest soloist, his brother trumpeter Jim Oatts (seemingly the band's de facto leader) is one heck of a scary-impressive player. So far (two tracks in), I'm also very impressed by tenorman Wayne Page. In any case, kudos to Free For All and the D.S.M. people. Again, who knew? Quote
Free For All Posted June 5, 2008 Report Posted June 5, 2008 Thanks for the kind words, Larry. The Des Moines big band has been around for a long time, since at least the 60s. I remember hearing them (and aspiring to perform with them) when I was in high school. One of my first trombone mentors was the late Steve "Toad" Stewart who played with the band for many years. He was heavily influenced by Bill Harris, and he also was the father of drummer Bill Stewart. Jim Oatts has been leading for quite some time now and they have a weekly gig. He often brings in guests to play with the band- besides Dick, NYC trombonist John Mosca (who is married to Nancy Oatts) visits from time to time. Bobby Shew also has made several appearances, and I've also been back many times to play. They have a bunch of my arrangements in their book, and it's always a fun hang. It is surprising and impressive to have a band of that quality in such a small market as Des Moines. I've lived in larger cities that are unable to support a local big band or are lacking someone (like Jim) who is willing to do the great amount of work required to organize a big band. There is also quite a bit of community support which is always critical. Quote
Joe G Posted June 5, 2008 Report Posted June 5, 2008 Wouldn't expect anything less than a fine chart from our man! Quote
DukeCity Posted June 6, 2008 Report Posted June 6, 2008 It really is a nice chart, and I've had the pleasure of playing it with FreeForAll several times over the years. Paul has the gift of being able to write charts that are fun to play, make bands and soloists sound great, and "lay" really well (meaning that it never feels like a struggle to get through your part). I'm teaching at a summer jazz workshop in Texas next month, and Dick Oatts will be there for a couple of days as the "hot dog". I just got an email with a list of charts that we'll be doing with him, and Paul's chart on "Beautiful Love" is on the list! Our local big band did a concert last weekend and performed Paul's chart on Nat Adderley's "Old Country". Another great chart! Quote
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