| Note: The following is a review of the LP "Big Day at Ojai," the original lp that "Buellgrass - Across the Tracks" was re-issued from. |
| CADENCE
The American Review of Jazz & Blues VOL. 10 NO. 5 MAY 1984 BUELLGRASS BIG DAY AT 0JAl K2B2 RECORDS 2369. Stardust/ Jumpin 'Punkins/ Happy-Go-LuckY Local/ Biille's Bounce/ Caravan/ Epistrophy Mood Indigo/ Tennessee Waltz. 34:44. Buell Neldllinger, ac b, Petcr Ivers, hmca Andy Statman, mand, cl; Richard Greene vio; Marty Krystall, ss, ts, cl, bs. cl; Peter Erskine, dms 8/23/81. |
| Just a few short months ago (2/84, p. 30) I wrote about an excellent album that fused such diverse elements as Jazz (in the musical persona of Ellington and Monk), Blues and bluegrass. Big Day At Ojai is a stunning reminder that great creative music cannot be pigeonholed. From the opening of "Stardust," with its stately mandolin and bass duet, to the closing seconds of "Tennessee Waltz," this album never lets down, You may be stunned by the superbly swinging mandolin of Andy Statman and pleased by the singing Iyrical quality of Richard Greene's violin. Then, there is the alternately gruff and sensual saxophones of Marty Krystall, who also adds some piquant clarinet work. The harp work of the late Peter Ivers harkens back to the sound of Little Walter and it contains a swing and vitality that links it to the power of the classic big band horn section. Finally, you may just decide to sit back and listen to how the rhythm section quietly underpins the entire proceedings. Erskine uses brushes throughout the entire album-he tiptoes through the ballads and he sashays through the uptempo pieces never intruding yet always there. Neidlinger is like the musical Rock-Of-Gibraltar, steady and true.
It might spoil your fun if I listed all the highpoints of this album, so here's but a few. "Caravan" is executed at breakneck speed, in the style of "Orange Blossom Special." Peter Ivers contributes an excellent solo, one of many he performs on the LP. Then, there's the crazy klezmer clarinet solo dropped into the middle of "Mood Indigo." There are many surprises on this record that will keep the listener on his toes (happily). Big Day Ar Ojai is an excellent album, well worthy of your attention. Richard B. Kamins |
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