Thursday, May 29, 2008
Bob Florence: composer, arranger, pianist, (1932-2006)
My awareness of Bob Florence began two years ago when I saw the Mike Vax big band of mostly Stan Kenton alumni at a concert that seemed to be filled with old guys with grey go-tees. Florence was the pianist for this concert, a formidable task indeed since that was Stan's bench he was filling. And this was most significant with the band's reading of Appearing in Cleveland. a fifteen minute suite of Kenton motifs magnificently arranged by Florence. It was the last tune of the second of two very full sets and the band was giving it their all. The YouTube clips are from an audience video of another tour of the Vax band, but the emotion and level of performance definitely remind me of that night.
After that show, I investigated more of Florence's music. He never lost sight of composing and arranging for big band. His Limited Edition albums have some nice swing numbers, but certainly can't be in full described as easy or occasional listening. He investigates a full range of emotions when he composes including some pretty dark territory with tunes like Running with Scissors. I talked with a band director I know after seeing Florence and got a sense of how well respected he was in the music community and also would not be surprised if the number of college big bands who don't own Florence charts was a minority to be sure.
His piano playing had a sense of regality but also heart and experience. It is a sad thing when a master's passing is what motivates one to take a closer examination to their art, but a sadder planet yet without them leaving that art for us to appreciate and enjoy.
Florence at a clinic, demonstrating and playing Invitation and Green Dolphin Street
Florence performing the Kenton tribute Appearing in Cleveland with the Mike Vax Orchestra -- two parts
posted by well-executed buffet at 11:31 PM
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