Michael Treni Big Band – Turnaround – The Bell Production Co. (2009) DualDisc set: DVD Video (16:9 color) + CD Audio [www.bellproductionco.com] ****:
(Soloists incl. Jerry Bergonzi, tenor sax; Vinnie Cutro, trumpet; Frank Elmo, soprano sax; Dave Gibson, trombone; Gerry Niewood, alto sax; Charles Blenzig, piano)
Big bands have had a big struggle the last few decades, and the current economic situation makes it even worse. Fans of big band should be thankful for the stream of good recordings that are somehow continuing to come our way, and this is one of them. Thanks for this should go to producer Roy Nicolosi, who made this particular exposure of the compositions and arrangements of Michael Treni possible. Treni had to drop out of music for 15 years to make a living as an inventor and manufacturer of wireless audio and language interpretation systems. He only returned to music teaching, writing and performing on retiring from his business in 1997.
The 16-piece band combines a number of jazz veterans with younger players, and all obviously interested and excited about what they’re doing. The band even has a three-person string section added on some of the tracks. Treni gives plenty of time in his scores for soloists to do their thing, and there are some excellent ones here – led by saxist Jerry Bergonzi. This session was the final one for the late alto saxist Gerry Niewood. Treni says he wants to provide as many opportunities as possible for the creative expression of individuals, and he does. He doesn’t just pit one section of the band against another continuously, as some big bands do.
The DVD is not a video version of the eight-track CD program, but a visit with Treni and some of the band members in the studio while they are recording the album. It is widescreen and one gets a feeling for the dedication to the cause of big band by Treni and the performers. The cinematography is good, and it’s more than just a promotional video for the album. The CD sound is lush and has great presence. The tunes are worthwhile, always swinging and not into the non-tonal area of many bands today. I especially dug Frank Elmo’s soprano solo on the impressionistic Lady Mariko and although I’m not a big trombone fan, Treni’s Bone Happy – with its series of solos by five different trombonists (including Treni) – was a treat.
TrackList: Turnaround, Lady Mariko, Unity, Blues for Charlie, Tender Moments, Tenor-Brio, Bone Happy, Awhile.
– John Henry
