Phil Collins Big Band

[Andrew]

Anyone dig his big band at all? I think it's a great band...I mean, Phil Collins isn't the best drummer in the world, but he gets the job done...the BAND itself though, is KILLER. Man, those horn players can BLOW. Anyone else have any thoughts on the band?

Andrew

[Chris-Sax]

Andrew, the big band has released there "live in paris" (cant remember the exsact name of the c.d) c.d + DVD! its been out for a while now! Try and get that one of them!! they both have the big bands versions of Average white bands "pick up the pieces" and other cool stuff! 8)

[Steve J.]

The band core wind players are mostly recent alumni of the Northern Illinois University Jazz ensemble if I'm not mistaken. They kind of "grew up together". Haven't heard this group but your comments don't surprise me. I've always thought that college bands often play tighter than pro groups. My guess is group detail focus and no fee rehearsels with a leader that can effect your grade :wink:

Off hand I know Matt James (lead alto) is currently sax instructor at Ohio University. Ron Modell is past NIU Jazz ensemble director and trumpet prof. Mark Boettcher (trombone) is teaching and playing here in Northwest Suburban Chicago.

[Andrew]

Yeah that's the cd that i've got. That is a pretty awesome cd. Although, I'd like to get the DVD. I agree about how college bands are usually better than most pro bands out there. I think it is the grades :lol:

[John Laughter]

Excellent CD. Check out the musicians. James Carter made an impression with his wild solo on "Pick Up The Pieces."

http://www.garciamusic.com/hot.topics/pcbb/pcbb.rightfr.html

[singlereed]

I would also stick up for Phil Collins' drumming: - for many years he also played in a jazz rock band called Brand X. Whilst latter-day Genesis, and Phil himself, moved into the pop idion, he is a respected and accomplished drummer. He only got into singing because Peter Gabriel left Genesis when they were just about to record and album, they auditioned for many singers, but decided Phil should keep the job. :roll:

[Frank D]

On the other hand, Phil sat in with Led Zepplin at Live Aid or some similar benefit concert, and totally blew it, being unaware that there were odd-metered measures and it wasn't all straight ahead 4/4 bashing! Pretty funny watching the look of panic come across his face on camera as things started getting dicey. Fortunately there was another drummer playing as well who held the thing together. We've all been there in one way or another, just not on an international TV broadcast. :shock:

[SaxyAcoustician]

It really is a lot of fun to hear the likes of James Carter in a big band setting, especially on a tune like "Pick Up the Pieces". And it's REALLY cool to hear a Sammy Nestico arrangement of "Invisible Touch" (yes, you read right - Sammy Nestico!).

[Andrew]

Didn't Nestico arrange a bunch of charts for that concert? I don't remember...maybe not.