This latest Armada Jazz Band CD, titled Best Days, issued by Upbeat Recordings is a compilation of tracks from two previously issued CD’s. These were on the small Raymer Sound label (now defunct) from the U.K. The CDs were RSCD711: Roger Marks' Armada Jazz Band, Roll Along Prairie Moon (tracks 3-7, 10, 12 on the Upbeat CD) and RSCD744: Roger Marks' Armada Jazz Band, High Society (tracks 1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 13 on the Upbeat CD). (The band had more than half a dozen additional CD’s issued on the Raymer label.)
According to leader Roger Marks, because of “the quality of the band I had at that time,” these tracks should be made available again. All of the players were, in Marks’ judgment, “outstanding.” This rating is amply substantiated by the personnel; and guest on clarinet Pete Allen, who also leads his own band, has no problem fitting right in as if he were a regular member.
The band could be classified as “mainstream,” I would guess, giving as much emphasis to solos as to ensembles, perhaps; but that should not put off those who, like me, tend toward the emphasis on collective improvisation of “moldy figdom.” The ensembles provide many interesting moments as well as laying down the melodies, and the solos are brim full of exciting improvisation.
The tune list contains no real surprises, although “Roll Along, Prairie Moon” may be found more often on country/w
