The Mike Barone Big Band at Clancy's
by BOB COMDEN
L.A. Jazz Scene - August 2003

On June 25th, trombonist/composer/arranger Mike Barone brought his exciting big band into Clancy's in Glendale, for a one-night engagement. It was the first time a big band had ever played at Clancy's and it turned out to be a perfect venue. The sound in the room was very good and a full house of enthusiastic fans came out to hear the band.

Barone has had a big band for many years, going back to the days when Donte's was the great place for bands in L.A. He has a CD out of one of the performances he did with the band at Donte's in the late '60s, which perfectly captures the spirit of the times. Barone wants to do a new CD with his current band; Let's hope he does it in the near future. He is a very creative, talented arranger, having written for many artists, including Doc Severinsen and the old Tonight Show band and the Academy Awards. His arrangements are exciting, challenging to play and take outstanding musicians to perform them well. The current band has been rehearsing regularly these days. The band has performed at the old Moonlight Tango and Papashons, The Jazz Bakery and at Ken Poston's last Big band Festival at the Four Points Sheraton. On August 29th they'll be back at Clancy's so fans can check them out there. On December 29th the band will perform at Larry Hathaway's Jazz Festival in Palm Springs.

The band that performed at Clancy's was in top form and included: Steve Huffsteter, Lee Thornburg, Pete DeSiena, John Thomas--trumpets; Kari Harris, Bruce Fowler, Bill Booth, Bryant Byers--trombones; Vince Trombetta Jr., Jerry Pinter, Keith Bishop, Lanny Morgan, John Mitchell--saxes; Paul Kreibich--drums, John Campbell--piano, Chris Conner, bass.

The set opened with an easy swinger titled "Mr. Magoo," that featured outstanding ensemble playing. Pinter was in fine form on his inventive solo and Thomas led the brass section with his strong lead trumpet. "Na Na," another easy-paced chart moved along nicely, with each section blending well, with good dynamics. Bishop and Campbell were impressive soloists. Kreibich's solid drumming kept everything in line and Thornburg's powerful lead trumpet was a delight. "I won't dance" was another interesting arrangement, with the trumpets in Harmon mutes. Barone created nice colors and textures with this beautiful chart and the chart exploded into a real high-energy swinger. Huffsteter's pretty lines were lush, Conner and Kreibich kept a steady groove and Thornburg, again, sparked the band with his lead trumpet. It was a complex and exciting arrangement. It all reminded me of fabulous nights at Donte's.

The Irving Berlin classic, "How Deep Is The Ocean?" had the rhythm section starting out with Campbell in the solo spotlight, then the band entered, playing the melody. Barone got to show off his considerable trombone skills with a tasty solo. The sax section was tight and blended well on their ensemble passages, with Morgan getting in some inventive licks on his solo. "As Time Goes By" featured a pretty, soulful trumpet solo from Huffsteter.

The lively "Darktown Strutter's Ball" featured Trombetta on tenor sax and Kreibich's dynamic drumming. Barone arrangements had trumpets playing the theme, while the trombones played a counter line against them and the saxes. DeSeina's lead trumpet playing was a sparkling addition. "Elkhart," based on the changes to "Back Home in Indiana," was another lively arrangement. The piano intro was beautifully played by Campbell. Gutsy ensemble work from the sax section was highlighted by a wild solo from Bishop. What a powerful and exciting band! Barone's original composition and arrangement "Metropole" used clarinets and flutes for a fresh, cosmopolitan feel. This one moved at a nice clip, with Huffsteter and Morgan creating some fine solos. The tune built in tension until it came to an explosive climax. The set closed with "Avalon," as Pinter and Trombetta engaged in a torrid tenor sax battle. The band breezed through the tricky chart and the crowd loved it!

Two highlights of the second set were Barone's beautiful arrangement of Ray Noble's "Love Locked Out," featuring Bishop in a very heartfelt alto solo. J.J. Johnson's "Lament" was another excellent Barone arrangement and had Trombetta and Barone soloing.

I can't say enough about this outstanding big band. Come back and hear them on their return engagement August 29th and you'll find out why I'm so enthusiastic. I also hope that Clancy's will book more big bands in the future. Mike Barone and his Big Band set the stage for an exciting evening of jazz and I hope it continues.