Blue Wisp Big Band

A legendary regional ensemble from Cincinnati, the Blue Wisp Big Band has, since its formation in 1980, performed every Wednesday evening at the famed Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati, owned and operated by Marjean Wisby, until her passing in August 2006.

Personnel

Mike Andres: alto and soprano saxophone

Jim Sherrick: alto saxophone

Herb Aronoff: tenor saxophone

Joe Gaudio: tenor saxophone

Larry Dickson: baritone saxophone

Jeff Folkens: trumpet

Kevin Moore: trumpet

Hank Mautner: trumpet

Al Nori: trumpet

Paul Piller: trombone

Clarence Pawn: trombone

Jeff Owen: trombone

Gary Langhorst: bass trombone

Steve Schmidt: piano

Michael Sharfe: bass

John Von Ohlen: drums, manager

Video

Jazz at the Blue Wisp

Links

The Blue Wisp Jazz Club

Cincinnati Performing Arts

Discography

Tribute (Sea Breeze 2007)

1. Sweet Georgia Brown 3:53

2. Strollin' 5:55

3. Holland Park 5:58

4. The Heather on the Hill 6:05

5. Step Lightly 6:24

6. Urgency 6:16

7. Silver's Serenade 4:32

8. Daydream 5:53

9. Ricochet 4:26

10. Little Sunflower 8:59

11. Soon 7:50

Englishman Frank Griffith's contributions include a cool take of Horace Silver's "Strollin'" and the tense, driving "Ricochet," which sounds like it could have been written for film. Trombonist Paul Piller scored "The Heather on the Hill" in a setting that would have fit Woody Herman's repertoire, while his breezy scoring of George Gershwin's "Soon" is another gem. Baritone saxophonist Larry Dickson contributed the lush treatment of "Daydream" from the vast Duke Ellington songbook, along with an infectious Latin-flavored workout of Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower." This regional group, like many of the bands which record for Sea Breeze, is one that is worthy of greater national attention. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi All Music Guide

A Night at the Wisp (Sea Breeze 2003)

John Von Ohlen

Tribute

A Night at the Wisp

1. Cold Tater Stomp

2. Yours Is My Heart Alone

3. Theme from Mr. Broadway

4. Where or When

5. Nica's Dream

6. Sweet Lorraine

7. Penniless

8. Capricious

9. Lush Life

10. Sparks

11. Recorda-Me

12. Amyable

Baritonist Larry Dickson's explosive big-band setting of Dave Brubeck's "Theme from Mr. Broadway" revives a neglected gem by one of jazz's most prolific composers, while he also scored Billy Taylor's delightful Latin-flavored "Capricious," sharing the solo spotlight with trombonist Clarence Pawn and drummer John Von Ohlen. Trombonist Paul Piller wrote "Penniless," which, in spite of its name, is a very upbeat bop vehicle. It's little wonder why the Blue Wisp Big Band have remained popular for so long, as they never fail to swing like mad. ~ Ken Dryden

Blue Wisp Big Band 20th Anniversary (Sea Breeze 2001)

1. Winding Way

2. Show-Type Tune

3. Well, You Needn't

4. Lament

5. Tones for Joan's Bones

6. Funk Dumplin'

7. Waltz New

8. Straight Track

9. Hum

10. Morning

11. Forgotten Memories

12. Just in Time

In addition to three originals, the band plays nine songs, most of which are rarely played in a big band format. Fans of modern, swinging big bands will enjoy checking out the Blue Wisp Big Band, who previously recorded five albums (four of which are available on Sea Breeze). ~ Scott Yanow

20th Anniversary

Rollin' with Von Ohlen & Live at Carmelo's (Sea Breeze 1996)

1. Potato Blues

2. Manteca

3. Sophisticated Lady

4. Whatever

5. Rollin' With Von Ohlen

6. 'Tain't No Use

7. In the Still of the Night

8. Footprints

9. Rockin' in Rhythm

10. Bolivia

11. Blood Count

12. Mr. Broadway

One of the two albums heard in this disc was recorded when the band was on a rare road trip, playing at Carmelo's near Los Angeles, while the other set was cut at their home base in Cincinnati. Among the many enjoyable selections are "Manteca," "Footprints," "Rockin' In Rhythm," "Bolivia," and Hagans' "Rollin' With Von Ohlen." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Butterfly & The Smooth One (Sea Breeze 1995)

1. Love for Sale

2. Yes Sir, That's My Baby

3. Tricrotism

4. Weep

5. Sparks

6. Nica's Dream

7. Butterfly

8. I Won't Dance

9. Evidence

10. The Smooth One

11. You're Driving Me Crazy