Kelley Love and the Pandemonia Orchestra: Foolin'

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: December 1, 1999

Remember Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers gliding around the movie set? Composer Kelley Love put together a 32-piece contemporary swing orchestra in 1992 to capture that mood and to blend big band charts with movie studio moods. The orchestra has changed its name from Lomar Chamber Orchestra and the personnel vary as situations permit, but Love’s compositions and lyrics make for a pleasant listen no matter who fills the featured solo spots. Among his arranging influences are respected leaders such as Sammy Nestico, Les Baxter, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, and Billy May. Love is currently scoring the motion picture "The Ring And Seal."

Trumpeter Ron Barrows, of the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, captures a bluesy mood on "Alligator," which is based on the comic strip Pogo. Guitarist Bruce Lofgren and bassist Bob Efford make a solid rhythmic pair; particularly with their opening ostinato for "To Market." Alto saxophonist Fred Seldon and singer Tierney Sutton swing most of the features with an emphasis conducive to the movie music intentions of the album. Easy enough on the ears for pleasant enjoyment, the session also holds enough substance for repeated listening.

Track Listing: Foolin

Personnel: Kelley Love- leader; Fred Selden, Glen Garrett, Charles Black- alto sax, flute; Phil Feather- oboe; Geoff Nudell- alto sax, clarinet; Jim Ercole- clarinet; John Nu

Record Label: IMG Records
Style: Big Band