Name: Lickety Split: The Music of Jim McNeely
Brand: New World Music (UK)
SKU: 422870
Price: 19.96 USD
Availability: InStock

Performer Notes

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra: Dick Oatts, Billy Drewes (soprano & alto saxophones, flute); Rich Perry, Ralph LaLama (tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute); Gary Smulyan (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Earl Gardner, Joe Mosello, Glenn Drewes, Scott Wendholt (trumpet, flugelhorn); John Mosca, Ed Neumeister (trombone); Douglas Purviance, Earl McIntyre (bass trombone): Jim McNeely (piano); Dennis Irwin (bass); John Riley (drums).
Producers: Stuart J. Allyn, Douglas Purviance, Arzell Productions Ltd.
Recorded at Avatar Recording Studios, New York, New York on April 7 & 8, 1997. Includes liner notes by Jim McNeely and Bill Kirchner.
LICKETY SPLIT: MUSIC OF JIM MCNEELY was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance.
Composer: Jim McNeely.
Personnel: Jim McNeely (piano); Ralph Lalama, Rich Perry (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone); Dick Oatts, Billy Drewes (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Gary Smulyan (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Scott Wendholt, Glenn Drewes, Earl Gardner, Joe Mosello (trumpet, flugelhorn); Douglas Purviance (trombone, bass trombone); Ed Neumeister, John Mosca (trombone); Earl McIntyre (bass trombone); John Riley (drums).
Recording information: 04/07/1997-04/??/1997.
Arranger: Jim McNeely.
In jazz long-standing traditions are looked upon with great respect. There are few traditions more respectable than Monday nights at The Village Vanguard, where this legendary band has played every week since the '60s. The creation of late drummer Mel Lewis and trumpeter Thad Jones, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, as it is now known, has long included some of the most highly-regarded jazz musicians in its ranks. On LICKETY SPLIT the group pays tribute to its cherished composer, arranger and pianist, Jim McNeely.
The dynamic melodic lines of "Extra Credit" open the session with a rhythmic flurry, showcasing McNeely's ultra-hip compositional style. His arranging skills are beautifully displayed on the band's gentle reading of the smoky ballad "In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning." The title track is an angular piece that reflects the bustle of the city that the band calls home. Of special note, trombonist Ed Neumeister's unbridled plunger-wielding performance on McNeely's "Sticks" is a treat. Finally, the album wouldn't be complete without McNeely's homage to his former leaders; the lightly swinging "Thad" and the dynamic "Mel" are fitting tributes.

Professional Reviews

Down Beat (2/98, pp.43-44) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...McNeely's imagination is boundless....eloquent enough to be considered profound."

Album: Lickety Split: The Music of Jim McNeely
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Extra Credit
2)	Thad
3)	In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
4)	Lickety Split
5)	Absolution
6)	Sticks
7)	Reflection
8)	Mel

Album: Lickety Split: The Music of Jim McNeely
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Extra Credit
2)	Thad
3)	In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
4)	Lickety Split
5)	Absolution
6)	Sticks
7)	Reflection
8)	Mel