Read The Reviews
With Freinds Like These
"It is a common practice to title an album after one of the pieces composed for and performed on the recording, sometime
s attributing a special meaning or theme to the music. Such is the case with saxophonist Ed Vezinho's "With Friends Like These." Alongside trumpeter Jim Ward, Vezinho has co-led the Ed Vezinho-Jim Ward Big Band for twenty-six years with a largely unchanged line-up, providing undeniable testimony that beautiful music can be made when fortunate enough to have "friends like these."
The big band's third release following Smile (DAB Records, 2000) and Blue Haired Mama (Self-Published, 2003), With Friends Like These is its first for Philadelphia-based Dreambox Media. Supported by scorching woodwinds and a howling brass section led by Ward, this sixteen-piece high octane big band, comprised of the finest showroom musicians in Atlantic City, delivers a "blow your socks off," power-infused performance typical of traditional muscle ensembles."
-Edward Bianco, AllAboutJazz.com (to read the entire review, click here)
"They’ve done it again. Longtime Atlantic City showroom musicians Ed Vezinho and Jim Ward have released their third and arguably best CD on Dreambox Media. Although I am happy to be among the “friends” who contributed to this project, I can honestly say this recording is among the best big band recordings I have heard in recent years. Syracuse natives and Atlantic City transplants Vezinho and Ward have been fueling this big band fire for 26 years now. Vezinho’s writing, arranging and lead alto skills reflect his vast experiences playing for virtually every big name in the business. Ward’s lead trumpet sizzles here as it has for many years playing lead for some of the best in the business.
For nearly 20 years, I have been pleased to be among many in the Atlantic City area who have played with this big band. Most often I would be called upon to play one of the tenor chairs and at least once on second alto next to Ed. This is brought up only to highlight the fact that I’ve had the pleasure of being on the bandstand with Ed, Jim and the boys on many occasion. The banter between the musicians can be seemingl
y harsh and cutting at times. The ribbing passed around by band members and their leaders is not for the faint of heart. All this said, they are a close net and close-minded group who know how to play in an ensemble – as well as “bust” on each other as an ensemble.
With Friends Like These is a fitting title for such a group. All kidding aside, the “friends” who lend their talents here drive this excellent big band to new heights.
The twelve tracks on this CD run the gamut from standards to show tunes and some clever originals from Ed Vezinho. My personal favorite on Friends Like These is Joy by J.S. Bach and “swingbanderized” by Vezinho’s clever arrangement. The score plays out with both a traditional as well as irreverent look at Bach’s famous work. Robert Rawlins and Clint Sharman offer wonderful solos on flute and trombone respectively. Joy is clever, well written and exceptionally well played by the ensemble.
Ron Kerber, Michael Pedicin, Al Harrison, Robert Rawlins, Pete Colangelo, Denis DiBlasio, George Rabbai, Larry McKenna, Brian Betz and yours truly make up the friends who are featured beyond the regular band members. Most of these Atlantic City veterans also enjoy positions at local colleges and universities such as Uarts, Temple and Rowan University. Each stylist offers their own jazz perspective here on Friends Like These.
Not to be outdone by the guests, the EVJWBB regulars show their own impressive talents throughout this musical journey. The tenderness of octogenarian Stan Weiss’ baritone is well documented on Ellington’s Sophisticated Lady. Longtime tenor man John Guida shows a couple different sides while swinging on the opening Hat Out of Bell and then the funky title track With Friends Like These.
The Ed Vezinho – Jim Ward Big Band is comprised of many talented individuals who have played with every conceivable person in the business from Sinatra to Sinbad. Both Vezinho and Ward are generous with sharing solos and lead playing within the band. This recording displays only some of the abilities found within the band. Certainly every member of the band is worthy of recognition. It is well worth the money and time to discover, purchase and listen to With Friends Like These – time and time again."
-Skip Spratt, SaxShed.com
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Blue Haired Mama
"Make room in the satchel; the second album by the spectacular Ed Vezinho/Jim Ward Big Band has at last arrived, and i
t's definitely earmarked for shipment to that mythical “desert island,” along with the ensemble's spine-tingling debut, Smile, which was No. 1 on this reviewer's Top 10 survey of new releases three years ago.
As before, the consistently impressive charts were designed by co-leader/lead alto Vezinho; as before, Ward and split lead Joe Scannella preside over one of the world's most proficient and powerful trumpet sections; as before, there are persuasive solos by Ward, Vezinho, trumpeters Mike Natale and Dennis Wasko, trombonists Clint Sharman and Joe Ziegenfus, alto Howard Isaacson, tenor John Guida, baritone Stan Weiss, pianist Demetrios Pappas and special guest Ron Kerber (tenor sax on “Keep on Tryin',” alto on “Kerbonics”); as before, the dynamic rhythm section is manned by Pappas, bassist Steve Beskrone and drummer Harry Himles; as before, Stephen Sondheim is represented (with “Send in the Clowns”); and as before, I'm almost at a loss for words with which to portray adequately this irrepressible New Jersey-based juggernaut. Best perhaps to observe that there are no apparent weaknesses and let it go at that.
If that sounds like cheerleading, all I can add is hip-hip-hooray! The V-W Big Band is back, and kicking butt!"
-Jack Bowers, AllAboutJazz.com (to read the entire review, click here)
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Smile
"The Vezinho/Ward Big Band has been thrilling audiences in and around Atlantic City since 1982 and unless I get 
corrected, this is the debut CD 'SMILE'. The standard has been set, the next CD, and surely there must eventually be another, will be unlikely to better this performance, I will be more than content if it equals the production values, the sound, the style and quality of what must be one of the finest big bands around. Were I offering star ratings , this one would be '*****' (plus).
We have a mixture of original and standard titles all in a swinging contemporary big band style. No sharp edges to this music, the lyrical content of these remarkable takes on both standards
and originals paramount.
This is my first introduction to the trumpet artistry and lead playing of Jim Ward and Joe Scanella. I do hope they get into the schools and teach their technique. Their sound is full, beautifully formed and pitched perfectly, even at extreme high register the quality of their sound blends with the section. The album is a joy from whatever perspective. This has got to
be a must have."
-John Killoch, JazzReview.com
"Ed and Jim have just finished "Smile" their first recording project in 5 years the CD is available on the DAB jazz label. Ed Vezinho's writing is fresh and compelling he utilizes the instrumentaltion available to the max. The compositions reflect a combination of traditional writing reminiscent of Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Lenny Niehaus & Billy May. If you like the current ensembles led by Bob Mincer, Dave Grusin, and Rob McConnel we guarantee that you will love the sound this Big Band puts out!"
A.C.Cassino Entertainment, ACCasinoEntertainment.com/photo.htm
"The Ed Vezinho/Jim Ward big Band is a high energy 16 piece jazz ensemble comprised of some of the finest showroom musician in Atlantic City. These talented all-stars play both original compositions and standards, creativly arranged in a unique contemporary big band style. "Whether you dance, or just listen, be prepared to be thoroughly entertained. This band COOKS!"
Friends Of Big Band Jazz, BigBandJazz.net