The Clare Fischer Big Band

[Jazzrook]

A recent discovery for me - thanks to Brian Morton's enthusiastic review in Jazz Journal(January 2014) - was a 1968 album, 'Thesaurus' by the Clare Fischer Big Band. It's fast becoming one of my favourite big-band jazz albums with tremendous solos from Bill Perkins(baritone sax), Warne Marsh(tenor sax), Gary Foster(alto sax) & Conte Candoli(trumpet).
Just reissued in the 1000 YEN series, the imaginative and creative music on 'Thesaurus' certainly deserves rescuing from obscurity and I imagine Ian Thumwood would love this one.

https://www.allmusic.com/album/thesaurus-mw0000604424

[Ian Thumwood]

Jazzrook

Thanks for the heads up. The tracks sound a bit like Woody Herman which, in my book, is a very good thing. I reckon my Dad will like this one too.

Clare Fischer is one of those musicians who had a huge reputation in the profession but this was never replicated by jazz fans for whom he remained as an obscure figure rather like Cal Massey. Fischer's name frequently appears on composer credits whilst I've rarely heard any of his own music. I've got a book of his musical exercises at home in the cupboard under the CD player although I've not played it too often. I think it was written to improve your physical technique and I struggled to reach the spans demanded in playing the chords as my hands are just too small.

Thanks for the heads up - one to bear in mind, I think. Must admit I like following your tip offs whether on this board or on JRR as you end up exploring all sorts of unusual avenues that might otherwise be overlooked.

Have you checked out the Nicole Mitchell disc "Aquarius" yet?

Cheers

Ian

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

over the decades since i first scored it i have always felt this to be a truly classic album

[charles t]

Great to begin the day reading everyone's commentaries re: Clare.

I met him here and particularly recall my asking - outside the club during a break:

'What was the name of that catchy tune you just played?'

Of course it was his signature composition - Morning.

His (bass player) son, Rob, snidely observed:

'I thought everyone knew that!'

Coincidentally, just last night I was reading the portion of a recent Cal Tjader bio, that featured Clare's sojourn in a great band.

Despite a long career, the only time I saw Tjader in person was with George Shearing!

[IMG][/IMG]

[Jazzrook]

Jazzrook

Thanks for the heads up. The tracks sound a bit like Woody Herman which, in my book, is a very good thing. I reckon my Dad will like this one too.

Clare Fischer is one of those musicians who had a huge reputation in the profession but this was never replicated by jazz fans for whom he remained as an obscure figure rather like Cal Massey. Fischer's name frequently appears on composer credits whilst I've rarely heard any of his own music. I've got a book of his musical exercises at home in the cupboard under the CD player although I've not played it too often. I think it was written to improve your physical technique and I struggled to reach the spans demanded in playing the chords as my hands are just too small.

Thanks for the heads up - one to bear in mind, I think. Must admit I like following your tip offs whether on this board or on JRR as you end up exploring all sorts of unusual avenues that might otherwise be overlooked.

Have you checked out the Nicole Mitchell disc "Aquarius" yet?

Cheers

Ian

Thanks, Ian. I loved Nicole Mitchell's 'Awakening' and will check out 'Aquarius' sometime. Definitely worth a listen if your Amazon review is anything to go by!

Cheers

Jazzrook