Editorial Reviews

Many college bands around today sound quite professional in their ensembles, although their soloists tend to be erratic and justifiably immature since they are relative youngsters. While the soloists are much better than usual on this two-CD set, Leap Frog is a typical outing by a college orchestra. Actually several bands are represented since the big band's performances are taken from a two-year period (so the personnel changes along the way) and there are two songs apiece from combos led by trumpeter Micah Bell, pianist Pablo Benavides and trumpeter Cameron Summers. In addition, trumpeter Wayne Bergeron has two features while tenor saxophonist Tony Campise plays and sings on "Who Can I Turn To" and tenor saxophonist Rene Ouza is showcased on "Southern Exposure." The music is primarily straight-ahead jazz, ranging from "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Joy Spring" to a well-played version of "Malaguena," Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" and a few originals. Nothing all that startling occurs but the participants should be proud of their contributions, particularly director Curt Wilson. Fans of stage bands and college orchestras will definitely enjoy this generous sampling from Texas Christian University. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

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