Johnny Nicholas & The Texas All-Stars - Big Band Bash (2005)

Tracklist

01. Broke Again
02. Baby I'm Gone
03. The Ironic Twist
04. Down In The Valley
05. Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
06. Mescal Road
07. This Old World Needs Love
08. All Blues
09. Good Morning Judge
10. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
11. Maybe, Maybe
12. I'm In Love Again
13. Can't Stop The Crying
14. Before I Grow Too Old
15. The Hammer
16. Texas Flood

The Texas All Star Big Band Bash is somewhat of a misnomer. It is not about Big Band music, but more of the large band species ala Lyle Lovett. And a large band of musical brothers (and sisters) it is, who all live within a 90 mile radius of (take your pick) Austin or San Antonio. Now I don't claim to be the greatest or smartest or anythingest guy on the block, but it just occurred to me (about 9 or 10 years ago) that with all these great musicians in one area, we ought to get together once a year and throw down some tunes. And with the spread of the MTV disease and its horrible effect on live music and traditional genres, it seemed to make sense to use this gathering to try to pass on to young people a love and appreciation and (hopefully) inspiration for what is truly special about great music: the intangibles of soulfullness, passion and "joi de vivre" which great music always instills in those who experience it. The ranges of emotion of the Blues, the infectious "Let's Dance" grooves of swing and Tex-Mex R&B; the stories told that we all can connect with.Well all of this has become a reality in Fredericksburg, TX, where on the 2nd Saturday of November every year, there is a gathering of musicians and music lovers, where, when it is over, everyone leaves smiling, toes tapping and rejuvenated! But it doesn't end until next year's show. In between, the money raised is' (and has been) used to fund various music and theatre workshops and camps for kids; scholarships for youth interested in careers in the arts; tutoring sessions for budding musicians. However gratifying this aspect of the show is (and it is extremely gratifying and rewarding) it is the love of music that brings these artists together. We hope you enjoy what we be puttin' down on this album because we sure enjoyed makin' it!

DOWNLOAD ALBUM [flac]