Broadcast on 26-Jan-2009

The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band was one of the great modern big bands. It's only rival was the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra which was formed in 1966. The Clarke-Boland Big Band was formed in 1961 and lasted until 1972.It was made up of American ex-pats and European players. The co-leader, drummer Kenny Clarke was one of the pioneers of Modern Jazz and set the stage for all modern drummers to follow. He left the US for good in 1956 for a long and productive career in Europe until his passing in 1985. Boland was a Belgian who was a classically trained pianist and a great composer/arranger.Boland passed away in 2005. Clarke and Boland put their heads and talents together in this big band. They recorded many albums but sadly, never toured North America. One of their finest recordings was this three part suite called "Fellini 712" and is a tribute to the great film maker and the city of Rome which is 712 miles from the French border....hence the title. It's Boland's most complex work and is tonight's Feature. We've augmented the Feature with two live performances by the band as well, recorded in Cologne. Check out one of the finest big bands in Modern Jazz history.