Roger Ingram - Live at the College Hideaway

Roger had a ball recording this new live album in Connecticut with the Jim Stewart Orchestra. The Jim Stewart Orchestra is one of the best sounding professional bands that he's been featured with in recent years, and this summer's recording is no exception. This album showcases some of the selections available when Roger performs as a guest artist and clinician with various high schools, colleges and community bands throughout the U.S. and abroad. If you like live music, you'll love this album. Here is a little insight on each track: 1. Then One Day I Had the Blues. This swinging, straight-ahead blues was composed and arranged by Tom Garling. The Jim Stewart Orchestra turns this original composition into the perfect backdrop for Roger and tenor saxophonist Carl Hosbond to stretch-out on a few improvised choruses before Roger caps off the tune with a screaming solo played over the shout chorus. This arrangement makes a great opener for any concert. 2. Superstar. The vocal duo The Carpenters had a top ten hit with this great tune. This arrangement of Leon Russell's soulful rock ballad was penned by Gary Anderson and was originally recorded by the Woody Herman Orchestra on their 1974 album, Live at Montreux. The marvelous execution of this arrangement by the Jim Stewart Orchestra would have made Woody proud. Roger is featured throughout, giving him the opportunity to soar into the stratosphere towards the end. Corduroy bell-bottoms, paisley shirts, and mood rings are optional listening apparel for this iconic tune. 3. Enchanté. Marion Evans' cool bossa nova was originally composed and arranged for one of Roger's trumpet playing heroes, Doc Severinsen. It was included on Doc's 1969 album, The Great Arrival! From Command Records. This engaging tune showcases Roger's melodic, middle register approach to performing in a more contemporary vein. 4. Sway. This mambo was originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney on the 1959 Perez Prado album, A Touch of Tabasco. During his years touring as a lead-trumpet player, a majority of the many artists Roger backed up were vocalists. Roger thought it was appropriate to 'get back in the saddle' by joining the Jim Stewart trumpet section on lead for this fiery arrangement of 'Sway,' featuring Christine Cooney on vocals. 5. Yesterday. This Paul McCartney classic has always been one of Roger's favorites, and David Hoffman did a wonderful job arranging this feature. Roger's passionate playing throughout builds soulfully to a majestic upper register climax. Cedric Mayfield's brilliant tenor saxophone playing is also featured on this track. 6. Rehearsal Blues. This composition by Lew Buckley is a fun little romp, written in a classic style, reminiscent of radio broadcasts from the 1930s. After Roger's opening solo, you'll hear some great improvisation from alto saxophonist Greg Case, and trombonist Joe Park during the open solo section. This arrangement is a favorite solo vehicle for the students of the various school ensembles that Roger is featured with, and it is the perfect closer for any concert. ** This CD was reviewed at All About Jazz by Nick Mondello (4.5 stars out of 5). **.