Red Beats
Blue Canteen, 2023
8/10
The drummer and composer Steve Fidyk returns to his roots with this big band effort, where 9 original pieces are fleshed out by arrangers from the DC and Philly regions.
“Bebop Operations” opens the listen with bright brass and frisky drumming, as the arranger Regan Brough brings the tune to a very swing friendly place, and “The Flip Flopper” follows with Joseph Henson’s arranging skills making for a rhythmic and bluesy affair that uses organ strategically.
“Churn” lands in the middle and shakes and bounces with acrobatic drumming amid the lively horns thanks to Michael Kramer, while “Food Court Drifter” brings a bit of restraint with its soulful brass and thumping drums that builds into a dense, glorious album highlight under Andrew Carson’s arranging.
“Loopholes” and “Good Turns” exit the listen, where the former doesn’t lack any melody thanks to the meticulous brass, stylish keys and lively drumming, and the latter finishes with a swift and playful demeanor that’s Big Band at its finest.
The musicians on hand includes alumni from The Buddy Rich Big Band, Count Basie Big Band, Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Army Blues, The Navy Commodores and The Airmen of Note. Also in attendance are soloists like the tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, organist Brian Charette and guitarist Jack Wilkins, and under the skilled vision of Fidyk, it makes for a big band effort you don’t want to miss.
Travels well with: Steve Fidyk- Battle Lines; Shawn Purcell- Symmetricity