These pages contain some rare audio clips of Grant's M.C.C. Jazz bands from 1980-81.
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We hope these samples of Grant's genius brings back good memories!
Anyone who has other old MCC recordings, please contact us!
Most of these audio tracks are short samples of much longer tracks.
Note that there are several additional pages of Audio clips on this site.
Our sources for these tracks were 20 year old cassette tapes, often originally
recorded on simple, low quality portable tape decks.
Keep in mind that most of the musicians you listen to here
were 19 or 20 years old at the time of these performances.
Be sure to visit our other AUDIO PAGES for more vintage M.C.C. sounds!
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LINK to AUDIO PAGE 2
These Audio Pages feature some brief samples of the great sounds that Grant conjured up from his student bands. At a time when most college bands were all about "higher, faster, and louder", Grant presented smaller ensembles consisting of
3 trumpets, 2 bones, 3 or 4 saxes, and rhythm section. Grant's bands were versatile, and capable of a wide variety of
musical styles and colors. The brass power could be there when needed, but Grant's bands were also capable of subtle
nuances. Grant's bands featured a wealth of wonderful percussion colors, extensive woodwind doubling, an emphasis on improvising soloists, and above all else - heartfelt, meaningful music.
An excerpt of the 1981 band playing "Elegy For Bud". Written by Bob Washut in memory of the great Bud Brisbois.
Recorded at Pantheon Studios. Features great lead trumpet and Flugelhorn work by Jim Henry. This "live in the studio"
recording was never mixed or mastered. Our source is an old cassette copy.
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Excerpt of "Speak No Evil", arranged by Bob Washut. The same 1981 studio session as "Elegy" (above). This is the M.C.C. band that won the 1981 Playboy Jazz Festival College Competition. And we won it by playing three marvelous Bob Washut arrangements!
Here are the musicians who played on above tracks.
1980-81 M.C.C. JAZZ BAND (Ginder's Garden of Jazz - Second Edition)
Grant Wolf: Director
Trumpets/Flugelhorns: Jim Henry, Wes Marshall, John Higgins
Trombones: Deborah Wiesz, Barry Render (Bass Bone)
Scott Shiever: Alto & Soprano Saxes, Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet, Tenor Sax
Steve Marsh: Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet
Ken Glenn: Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet
Ricky Samaniego: Bari Sax, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Clarinet, Tenor Sax
Guitars: Walter Pitts, Dan Katiaya
Piano: Danny
Basses: Matt McKenzie
Drums and Percussion: Kelly Dean, Dennis Marcum
