Unexpected Guests
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The Big Band leader Ira B. Liss and composer/arranger Dan Radlauer assembled 11 top notch musicians for this aptly titled effort where none of the guests had any associations with Big Band jazz.
The animated spirit of “Renaissance Women” opens, where Tali Rubinstein’s lively recorder is met with Charlie ‘Stix’ McGhee’s frisky drums, and “I’m Counting On You” follows with Vince Gill’s unmistakable voice alongside Greg Armstrong’s rich tenox sax via the colorful delivery.
Arriving in the middle, the bright mood of “Extraordinary Woman” features Rocky Dawuni’s powerful pipes and Doug Weewsen’s well time flugelhorn, while “Tapped Out” enlists Leo Manzari’s charming tap dance and rapping amid Oliver Shirley’s bass grooves.
Landin close to the end, “Pineapple Mango” features Daniel Ho’s dreamy ukulele that suits the island flavor of the album’s best, and “French Fries” exits with a soulful quality thanks to Chris Castellanos’ skilled French horn
An album where each track takes on its own identity, the large amount of guests and 17 piece Big Band Jazz Machine ensure that every moment is unpredictable and performed with much precision and excitement.
Travels well with: Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine- Mazel Tov Kocktail!; Catina DeLuna and Otmaro Ruiz- Lado B Brazilian Project 2