The band is nominated for Best Instrumental Composition for "Hunting Wabbits 3 (Get Off My Lawn)," and Best Instrumental Arrangement for "Rhapsody In Blue." They've been nominated 4 previous years for a total of 8 different awards, but have yet to win. Wonder what will happen this year?
First off, here's a lovely little EPK for the album!!
We kick things right off with the title track, "That's How We Roll." Oh and why not, let's meet the band while we're at it!
*Giggle* "Howdiz Songo?" is a funny title - come on, give me that. The horns take on a large part in this song, and for a confused title, it is very well put together. I guess that's to be expected. Here, we're already hearing a little breaking away from the traditional big band sound, with some great modern jazz influences scattered throughout.
I guess Gordon settled on the title "Rippin' N Runnin'." If you don't know what I'm talking about, for-shame - watch the EPK. Whoa, so there's this pretty cool almost salsa influence in this song, but only in the beat. The rest almost reads like a crime theme in a way. There's a funk sweetness.
"Huntin' Wabbits 3 (Get Off My Lawn)." Here we go - Grammy nod time. You should probably be familiar with the first two, as they're classically written and used numbers. These guys move super well together in a number that does have a bit of complication feel to it.
We'll slow things a little bit with "Everlasting." More of the strings get featured here, and the horns are lighter and easier listening. Less of the big band feel in this one and more of a jazz and love feel. It's interesting, actually, to hear such a thing on what is considered a big band album. It's more along the band that would back up Sinatra than the band that has it's own standing.
It's cool, we're back to the band doing what they do, partying a bit and giving some good music to us. The next track is "Gaining On You." The title's fitting, as the instruments tend to follow each other and build throughout. I thought this one bit with the drums seeming to rush as they roll, then following them with horns sort of imitating their sound.. really cool. Really nicely done.
"Never Enough" has lyrics! Talk about unexpected for this album. I was getting into the groove of accepting the total instrumental experience. There's almost a Manhattan Transfer sound to the vocals that is so cool. Really, it's like this cool grouping of jazz inspired vocals. If anyone can clarify for me if those are BFB members or an outside group that came in, I'd love it!
Into a slight 20's/30's big band feel with "It's Not Polite to Point." Again, very slight and airy compared to many of the numbers here, and I promise that's me complimenting the range of the group. I would even go so far as to call this a lounge number, something you'd definitely just sip your drink and relax to.
"Race to the Bridge" is, again, sort of a chase number. This time, the piano controls a lot of the chase with the horns. There's an awesome way of complimenting that is being done throughout. Maybe it's not something I'd listen to on a constant basis, because it does strike a bit as jarring, but it's a cool method to play with and is done relatively well here.
Finally, we've got the Grammy nominated treatment to Gershwin's classic, "Rhapsody In Blue." I don't love the quality on this video, because I believe it doesn't quite do it the justice it deserves, but here's a look:
Added to My Playlist:
Sorry for the lack of Spotify links here. I'm working a little remotely today from a forensics competition in central Jersey. I think we were able to do this justice though, right? The album is a great compilation of styles and finess as musicians. Totally understandable that they're achieved so many nominations in the past, and it would be pretty cool if this one allowed the band to jump to the next level - possibly to a win.