Broadcast on 18-Aug-2014

This was the first album under his name of composer/arranger/tenor saxophonist Bill Holman. He first got recognition as a saxophonist and arranger/composer for Stan Kenton then went on to occasionally form his own big band for a few dates and a possible recording session. By dint of his residence in Los Angeles, Holman was able to recruit many of the finest studio/Jazz players in L.A.This he did on this his debut record. "The Fabulous Bill Holman" lives up to it's name and marks it as a classic of big-band Jazz and sets a very high standard for others to follow. The playing of all involved is superb both in ensemble work and solos. You will hear over the six selections, solos by Charlie Mariano and Herb Geller on altos,Holman and Richie Kamuca on tenors, Conte Candoli and Stu Williamson on trumpets and others plus a great rhythm section of Lou Levy on piano, Max Bennett on bass and the great Mel Lewis on drums. All in all great writing by Holman covering four of his own tunes and one by Sonny Rollins...Airegin and a great Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer standard called Come Rain or Come Shine. It was all recorded in April of 1957 and remains one of the finest examples of big-band Jazz!