With All the Bells and Whistles (1995)

About this title: Arranger/pianist Bob Florence's release for the MAMA Foundation may very well be his finest; it certainly offers a strong sampling of his talents. Four of the ten songs are standards, and "Oceanography" is based closely on "How Deep Is the Ocean," but Florence's complex yet logical arrangements make each piece sound like it was written for the band. To name a few examples, "In a Mellow Tone" appears to be in two keys at once at times; "Laura" (normally an emotional ballad) really cooks; and "Teach Me Tonight" is so intense as to be purposely humorous in spots. Among the other highlights of ... read more

Tracks:

1. Laura [Mercer/Raksin]
2. Oceanography [Florence]
3. Shimmery [Florence]
4. Teach Me Tonight [Cahn/DePaul]
5. Tenors, Anyone? [Florence]
6. Poinciana [Bernier/Simon]
7. With All the Bells and Whistles [Florence]
8. The Fly by Knights [Florence]
9. In a Mellow Tone [Ellington/Gabler]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.