RUSS ANIXTER’S HIPPIE BIG BAND

Independent Label

Russ Anixter, arranger/orchestrator; Michael Aarons, guitar; Steve Count, bass; Scott Neumann, drums; Bill Hayes, vibes/xylophone/congas; Matt Hong, alto saxophone/flute/bass clarinet; Stan Harrison, tenor & soprano saxophones/clarinet; Frank Vacin, baritone & soprano saxophones/alto flute; Matt Owens, trumpet /flugelhorn; Audrey Flores, French horn; Dan Levine, trombone; Jack Schatz, bass trombone. SPECIAL GUESTS: Steven Bernstein, slide trumpet; Oz Noy, guitar.

This album splashes into my listening room like a title wave!  It is full of gusto, rhythm and excitement, with the Scott Neumann drums power-packed, and the Bill Hayes congas adding push and clout to the arrangement.  The tune is A Tower of Power hit, “What is Hip?” and features Matt Hong soloing on alto sax.

A song called “Dixie Chicken” follows.  It’s rooted in ‘the blues.’

Russ Anixter has a cool way of blending jazz and rock with a sweeping use of his horn section.  Frank Vacin is featured on soprano saxophone and Steven Bernstein is a special guest on the slide trumpet.  Once again, I’m impressed with the powerful rhythm section supplied by drummer Scott Neumann and bassist Steve Count.  The addition of Hayes on xylophone and vibes brings another voice to the arrangement that is fresh and interesting.

Anixter combines the Eddie Harris “Freedom Jazz Dance” with Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris” tune creating a unique medley. As a young musician, the arranger played trombone in big bands of the San Francisco Bay area.  He has always loved rock and roll, as well as jazz.  Russ Anixter quotes Miles Davis, saying “The Grateful Dead is a jazz band that plays rock.”  With that in mind, you can get a good idea of what direction this creative arranger is taking.  Their shuffle blues arrangement of the “Hide Away” tune becomes another favorite where Michael Aaron’s soars on guitar.

Although this group is smaller than a big band, they still manage to produce a powerful sound. These musicians accomplish Russ Anixter’s desire to merge jazz and rock, adding their creative energy and essence to the mix.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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