As I was writing Hello Blue Skies (track 3) I quickly realised I was hearing the song in my mind in Big Band mode. In imagining how I would do a demo of the song I couldn't then just settle for voice and piano - I had to go all out: sometimes it's just gotta be the real thing, if not preferably always!
The next thing I was then skipping to in my mind was how many other songs of mine I could record that way with a Big Band, and how much great fun that would be (for me at least ). Especially so as many of the songs are in different styles but all beautifully arranged in a Big Band setting. Big Bands swing, rock and can be great with any rhythm and style - but there is something so moving about hearing a powerful Big Band play a soft and gentle song as well, with the musicians all playing so tight. I'm hoping ballroom dancers and Big Bands will enjoy the different dance styles and I'm sure you can dance to every track.
I chose 13 of my own songs and 1 of a wonderful internationally-renowned Australian Musican, James Morrison who wrote the Words & Music to Track 9 on this album, No Regret.
The fine and Australian Musical Arrangers on this album
are Andrew Robertson, Graham Jesse, Tim Oram, & Maestros Tommy Tycho & Ron Rosenberg (I have still more arrangements done from Tommy and Andrew yet to record - next time).
Norma Martin BIG BANDIT! was recorded at James Morrison Studios in Sydney Australia, with Tod Deeley the Audio Engineer and features a terrific Aussie Big Band David Martin Big Bandit Orchestra with my husband David Martin on Piano. Every musician and singer on this album backing me up is top notch, not to mention lovely people and I am thrilled with the result!
Special Guest soloists are the afore-mentioned James Morrison on Trumpet and Trombone and another World-renowned Australian Dale Barlow - superb on Tenor, Baritone Saxes and Alto Flute. Their playing is as always mind-blowing, and then there are these players below!
The Awesome Band Members -
Piano and Leader - David Martin
1st Alto Sax - Graham Jesse (+ 2 Arrangements)
2nd Alto Sax - Andrew Robertson (+ 9 Arrangements)
1st Tenor Sax - Craig Walters
2nd Tenor Sax - Aaron Michael
Baritone Sax Steve Fitzmaurice
1st Trumpet - Bob Coassin
2nd Trumpet - Ralph Pyl
3rd Trumpet - Paul Thorne
4th Trumpet - John Pennings
1st Trombone - Anthony Kable
2nd Trombone - Dave Panichi
3rd Trombone - Mark Barnsley
4th/Bass Trombone - Colin Philpott
Guitars Electric/Acoustic - James Muller
Double Bass/Bass Guitar - Phil Stack
Drums - Gordon Rytmeister
Vocal Backing Singers are each wonderful individually and together you'll love their sound!
In alphabetical order -
Brydon Stace, Dan Markovina & Evelyn Duprai.
Hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as I enjoyed making it!
Take care and safe journeys -
Oh - and by the way....all you American listeners - when I sing 'hot Quai Doo' - it's a delicious Malaysian dish we eat at a Sydney restaurant called "The Malaya" which you'll find at Darling Harbour here - highly recommended eating if you come to Sydney :)
Norma Martin.
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