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Ed Palermo Big Band

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The Ed Palermo Big Band
Palermo at Iridium 2018
Palermo at Iridium 2018
Background information
GenresRock, Jazz, Progressive Rock, Classical
Years active1977–present
LabelsVile Heifer, Pro Jazz, Astor Place, Cuneiform, Sky Cat Records
Members
  • Ed Palermo
  • Ronnie Buttacavoli
  • Steve Jankowski
  • Charlie Gordon
  • Matt Ingman
  • Mike Boschen
  • Cliff Lyons
  • Phil Chester
  • Ben Kono
  • Bill Straub
  • Barbara Cifelli
  • Bob Quaranta
  • Ted Kooshian
  • Paul Adamy
  • Ray Marchica
  • Bruce McDaniel
  • Katie Jacoby
  • Daniel Pearson
  • Drew Vandewinckel
  • Dan Glaude
  • Emily Pecoraro
  • Augie Haas
  • Nick Grinder
  • Matt Owens
Websitewww.palermobigband.com

The Ed Palermo Big Band is a New York City-based ensemble that has been active since the late 70's, playing the compositions and arrangements of their leader, New Jersey born saxophonist Ed Palermo. The band is best known for Palermo's arrangements of the music of Frank Zappa, but they also perform and record compositions by Todd Rundgren, The Beatles, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, The Rolling Stones, Blodwyn Pig, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and many, many other composers from a wide range of genres.

Ed Palermo

Ed Palermo started playing the alto saxophone and the guitar in high school. By that time he knew he wanted to be a musician. Early influences that pushed him in that direction were the Beatles and the Mothers of Invention.[1] Palermo also discovered a love for the music of Edgar Winter while in high school. This inspired him to emulate musicians such as Cannonball Adderley, Phil Woods,[2] and Charlie Parker. In college he switched from alto saxophone to tenor saxophone due to influences from John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, and David Liebman. After graduating college, Palermo moved to New York in order to become a jazz tenor saxophonist. At this point, an album called "Impact" by Charles Tolliver inspired him to try his hand at arranging. Palermo looked to his friend Dave LaLama, already an arranger, for advice and he began to compose and arrange music.[3] Soon he began playing with Tito Puente, and during this time, assembled a group which later expanded into the big band bearing his name.[4]

Early years

In 1977 Ed Palermo assembled a nine-piece band to play his own compositions. The small group expanded into a big band and began a three-year residency at a New York club called Seventh Avenue South. During this time the band played primarily compositions by its leader along with his arrangements of other music. After three years, they were replaced by Gil Evans.[3]

In 1982 they recorded their first LP and released it as Ed Palermo under a label called Vile Heifer. Later the LP became known as Papier Mache after the first song on the album. This LP featured guests such as Randy Brecker, David Sanborn, and Edgar Winter. The material on this album was mostly Palermo's original work, except for a few pieces that were co-written.[3]

Due to the hassle involved in producing an album under one's own label, the Ed Palermo Big Band did not release another album until a record company showed interest. This happened in 1987. Ping Pong was released by Pro Jazz Records and featured much different material from the first album. This album featured less complicated music and more swing. From 1987–1993 the band alternated performing at the clubs Visiones and the Bitter End.[3]

Recent years

After Frank Zappa's death in 1993, Palermo decided to play a show of all Frank Zappa music. Before the show, Palermo posted a notice on an internet bulletin board. The turnout to the show was the largest that the Ed Palermo Big Band had had to date.

"Up until then, my own shows at The Bitter End were drawing next to nobody," said Palermo. "For some reason, the word got out about the Zappa show and the place was swamped. And it was incredibly exciting—people there were Zappa fanatics."[5]

The idea was for only one tribute concert. But the band was contacted by Alan Pepper of The Bottom Line which led to a nine-year residency. For these shows they played primarily arrangements (done by Ed himself) of Frank Zappa songs, however, each show was different from the one before. The band often featured special guests at these shows such as Zappa alums Mike Keneally and Ike Willis.[6]

In 1997 they recorded their first Zappa album, The Ed Palermo Big Band Plays the Music of Frank Zappa, also known as Big Band Zappa, was released on Astor Place.

After nine years at The Bottom Line (1994–2003) they took a break from regular shows for a period of about a year.[7] After that they began another series of regular shows at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City. Since late 2018 the band acquired a monthly residency at Iridium playing a variety of musical genres and composers with a penchant for Frank Zappa.

In 2006 they released their second CD, Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance under the label of Cuneiform Records. In 2009 the group released their third CD, Eddy Loves Frank, also on Cuneiform. In February 2014, OH NO!! NOT JAZZ!! was released to rave reviews, including a four-star review in DownBeat Magazine. In 2015, the band released the album One Child Left Behind, featuring Napoleon Murphy Brock and Frank Zappa's sister Candy Zappa. In 2016, the band released the albums The Great Un-American Songbook, Volumes 1 & 2, also featuring Napoleon Murphy Brock, which also received a 4-star review from DownBeat Magazine.. Volume 3 will be released in 2020. Eddy Loves Frank, Oh No!! Not Jazz!!, One Child Left Behind, and The Great Un-American Songbook were all produced by the band's guitarist & vocalist, Bruce McDaniel. The next album was another well-reviewed release called The Adventures of Zodd Zundgren (Cuneiform 2017), a reinvention of the music Frank Zappa and Todd Rundgren. "The Adventures of Zodd Zundgren is big, irresistible fun." - Karl Ackermann, All About Jazz. The bands latest is a jazz album titled A Lousy Day in Harlem (Sky Cat 2019). Palermo returns to his jazz roots with a combination of covers and original compositions. "Twenty-first century big-band music doesn’t get more exciting and impressive than this." - Jeff Tamarkin, JazzTimes

Palermo teaches music at Hoff/Barthelson in Scarsdale, New York. 2018 Ed's band made Downbeat Poll's Rising Star category as 3rd best band on the rise.

Members

ZAPPANALE #30 Bad Doberan, Germany 2019
Palermo Big Band Iridium April 2019
AMERICANA at The Falcon, Marlboro, New York
Nicki Denner tap-dancing to Frank Zappa's Echidna's Arf

Current

Name Instrument(s)
Ed Palermo Arranger, Alto Saxophone, Guitar, Vocals
Ronnie Buttacavoli Trumpet (lead)
Charley Gordon Trombone (lead)
Mike Boschen Trombone
Matt Ingman Bass Trombone, Tuba
Cliff Lyons Alto Saxophone, Clarinet
Phil Chester Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Ben Kono Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Bill Straub Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet
Barbara Cifelli Baritone Saxophone
Bob Quaranta Acoustic Piano
Ted Kooshian Keyboards
Paul Adamy Bass Guitar
Ray Marchica Drums
Bruce McDaniel Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Arranger
Katie Jacoby Violin,[8] Vocals

Additional Musicians/Performers

Name Instrument(s)
Daniel Pearson Baritone Sax
Bill Todd Saxophone
Dan Glaude Saxophone
Drew Vandewinckel Saxophone
Emily Pecoraro Saxophone
Augie Haas Trumpet
Matt Owens Trumpet
Nick Grinder Trombone
Jim Lutz Trombone
Nina Hennessey Vocals
Mike James Vocals
Susan Palermo Vocals
Lee Finkelstein Drums
Dave Edwards Bass
Nicki Denner Tap Dancing
Anton Denner Saxophone
Kathleen Doran Trumpet
Jack Davis Trombone

Former Musicians

Name Instrument(s)
Laurie Frink Trumpet
John Bailey Trumpet
Joe Fiedler Trombone
John Hines Trumpet
Scott Harrow Saxophone
Allan Firfer Saxophone
Dave Rickenberg Saxophone
Aaron Hyke Saxophone
Tim Sessions Trombone
Joe Meo Saxophone
Michael Boscarino Trombone
Jenny Hill Saxophone
Chris Olness Trombone
Tim Sessions Trombone
Al Hunt Saxophone
Chuck Fischer Saxophone
Tommy Igoe Drums
Dale Kirkland Trombone
Darryl Shaw Trumpet
Liesl Sagartz Whitaker Trumpet
Eugene Rockwell Vocals
Jack Schatz Trombone
Erick Storckman Trombone
Jim Pugh Trombone
Chuck Wilson Saxophone
Bud Burridge Trumpet
Dan Levine Trombone
Jeff Lederer Saxophone
Pete McGuiness Trombone
Jeff Holmes Trumpet
Elaine Burt Trumpet
Taylor Haskins Trumpet
Nick Finzer Trombone
Tony D'Agostino Drums
Ross Pederson Drums
Karl Lyden Trombone
Mat Jodrell Trumpet
Peter Anderson Saxophone
Matt Haviland Trombone
Daniel Linden Trombone
David Smith Trumpet

Guests

Napoleon Murphy Brock at The Falcon 2019
Kasim Sultan at Iridium 2018
Lloyd Price at Iridium

Discography

Papier Mache (Released as "Ed Palermo")

1982 Vile Heifer

Song Title Featured Soloist(s)
Papier Mache Edgar Winter (Alto Sax and Organ)
Complete Control Ed Palermo (Alto Sax), Kim Plainfield (Drums), Bob Quaranta (Piano)
Before Max Ed Palermo (Alto Sax), Randy Brecker (Trumpet)
Dusty Jim Clouse (Soprano Sax)
Different People Differently Dave Glenn (Trombone)
An Escape Nonetheless David Sanborn (Alto Sax)

Ping Pong

1987 Pro Jazz Records

Song Title Featured Soloist(s)
Ping Pong Rick Savage (Trumpet)
All Out Ed Palermo (Alto Sax)
3 Views of a Secret Chuck Wilson (Alto Sax)
Who's the Goose Rick Savage (Trumpet)
Ratphobia Bud Burridge (Trumpet)
Mood for Maude Matt Finders (Trombone)
Darkness Tom Malone (Trombone)
Perry Mason Chuck Wilson (Alto Sax)
Goodnight Al Hunt (Oboe)
Bitch's Crystal Bob Quaranta (Piano)
Your Spleen Perhaps Ed Palermo (Alto Sax)
I.G.Y. Jim Clouse (Tenor Sax)

The Ed Palermo Big Band Plays the Music of Frank Zappa (aka Big Band Zappa)

1997 Astor Place Records

Song Title Featured Soloist(s)
Peaches en Regalia Mike Keneally (Guitar)
Toads of the Short Forest Bob Mintzer (Tenor Sax), Ed Palermo (Alto Sax), Ted Kooshian (Organ)
Who Are the Brain Police? / Holiday In Berlin (Excerpt) Mike Stern (Guitar)
Twenty Small Cigars Dave Samuels (Vibraphone)
King Kong Bob Mintzer (Tenor Sax)
Aybe Sea / Inca Roads (Excerpt) Mike Keneally (Guitar)
Waka Jawaka / Son of Orange County (Excerpt) Chris Potter (Tenor Sax)
Sofa No. 1 Ed Palermo (Alto Sax), Dave Samuels (Vibraphone)
The Little House I Used To Live In / Mother People (Excerpt) Mike Stern (Guitar)
Heavy Duty Judy / Grand Wazoo (Excerpt) Ray Marchica (Drums), Ed Palermo (Alto Sax)
Carnival of the Animals (Finale) Ted Kooshian (Keyboard), Bob Quaranta (Keyboard)
We Are Not Alone Mike Stern (Guitar), Mike Keneally (Guitar), Ed Palermo (Guitar)
wai, fn?

Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance

2006 Cuneiform Records

Song Title Featured Soloist(s)
RDNZL Ed Palermo (Alto Sax), Charles Gordon (Trombone), Bob Quaranta (Piano), Ted Kooshian (Synthesizer), Ray Marchica (Drums)
Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance Joe Fiedler (Trombone), Ben Kono (Tenor Sax)
Dwarf Nebula Procession March & Dwarf Nebula Cliff Lyons (Alto Sax)
Pound For A Brown On The Bus Ray Marchica (Drums), Ed Palermo (Alto Sax), Ted Kooshian (Synthesizer), Bill Straub (Tenor Sax)
Sleep Dirt Phil Chester (Soprano Sax)
Gumbo Variations Dave Riekenberg (Tenor Sax), Carl Restivo (Guitar)
Mom and Dad / Oh No Carl Restivo (Vocals), Ed Palermo (Alto Sax)
Moggio Ted Kooshian (Synthesizer), Bob Quaranta (Piano), Ray Marchica (Drums)

Eddy Loves Frank

2009 Cuneiform Records

Song Title Featured Soloist(s)
Night School Ed Palermo (Alto Sax)
Echidna's Arf (Of You) Cliff Lyons (Alto Sax), Bill Straub (Tenor Sax), Charles Gordon (Trombone), John Hines (Trumpet)
Regyptian Strut Phil Chester (Soprano Sax), Joe Fiedler (Trombone)
Don't You Ever Wash That Thing? Ben Kono (Tenor Sax), Ray Marchica (Drums), Ted Kooshian (Synthesizer), Ed Palermo (Alto Sax), Bruce McDaniel(Guitar)
Dupree's Paradise Bob Quaranta (Piano)
What's New in Baltimore Bob Quaranta (Piano), Ben Kono (Tenor Sax)
Let's Move to Cleveland Ted Kooshian (Synthesizer), Ronnie Buttacavoli (Trumpet)
America the Beautiful Ted Kooshian (Synthesizer), Bruce McDaniel (Lead Vocals)

ELECTRIC BUTTER - ROB PAPAROZZI and THE ED PALERMO BIG BAND "A Musical Tribute to Paul Butterfield and Michael Bloomfield"

2014 Jankland Recording

SONG TITLE Soloist and Special Guest(s)
Killing Floor Jimmy Vivino (lead guitar), Bill Straub (tenor sax)
Walkin' Blues Jimmy Leahey (slide guitar), Ed Alstrom (B3)
Another Country
Drivin' Wheel Mark Naftalin (B3 organ), George Naha (guitar solo)
Texas Harvey Brooks (bass), George Naha (guitar solo)
Walking By Myself Jimmy Leahey (lead guitar solo), Bob Quaranta (piano), Cliff Lyons (alto sax)
Wine George Naha (guitar solo), John Korba (piano fills and B3 organ)
One More Heartache Jimmy Leahey (slide guitar and guitar solo)
You Don't Realize Steve Cropper (guitar-right side), George Naha (guitar-left side)
Lovin' Cup Ben Kono (tenor sax), Ronnie Buttacavoli (trumpet), Joe Fiedler (trombone), Ted Kooshian (organ)
Love Disease Ed Palermo (alto sax solo)
Drifting Blues Mark Naftalin (piano solo and B3 organ), Cliff Lyons (alto sax), George Naha (guitar)
Work Song Ed Palermo (original arrangement)
Everything's Gonna Be Alright Barbara Cifelli (baritone sax), Charley Gordon (trombone), John Bailey (trumpet)
Buried Alive in the Blues

OH NO!! NOT JAZZ!!

2014 Cuneiform Records

DISC 1 ZAPPA

SONG TITLE Featured Soloist(s)
INCA ROADS vocals: Napoleon Murphy Brock; solos: Bruce McDaniel (guitar), Ed Palermo (alto sax), Bob Quaranta (piano)
THE UNCLE MEAT VARIATIONS solo: Bruce McDaniel (guitar)
LITTLE UMBRELLAS solo: Charley Gordon (trombone)
THE DOG BREATH VARIATIONS solos: Joe Fiedler (trombone), Phil Chester (soprano sax)
CHUNGA'S REVENGE solo: Katie Jacoby (violin)
LUMPY GRAVY solos: Ronnie Buttacavoli (trumpet), Bill Straub (tenor sax)
THE BLACK PAGE solo: Cliff Lyons (alto sax)
AMERICA DRINKS AND GOES HOME vocals: Mike James; solos: Phil Chester (soprano sax), Bill Straub (tenor sax)

DISC 2 PALERMO

SONG TITLE Featured Soloist(s)
MOOSH solos: Katie Jacoby (violin), Ed Palermo (alto sax)
PRELUDE TO AN INSULT solos: Barbara Cifelli (bari sax), Ed Palermo (alto sax)
WHY IS THE DOCTOR BARKING? solo: Ted Kooshian (organ)
PRELUDE TO A CATASTROPHE solo: John Palermo (mandolin)
A CATASTROPHE (IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER) solo: Ben Kono (tenor sax)
LET'S REPRODUCE solo: Ray Marchica (drums)
AN ESCAPE NONETHELESS solo: Bill Straub (soprano sax)
NOSTALGIA REVISITED (for Susan) solo: Ed Palermo (alto sax)
THE INSULT solo: Ed Palermo (alto sax)
GOOD NIGHT, EVERYBODY! GOD LOVE YA! solo: Charley Gordon (trombone)
SHE'S SO HEAVY solos: John Hines (trumpet), Joe Fiedler (trombone)

One Child Left Behind

2016 Cuneiform Records

SONG TITLE Featured Soloist(s)
CLETUS AWREETUS AWRIGHTUS solos: Ted Kooshian (tack piano), Bill Straub (frenetic tenor sax stylings)
DIRTY WHITE BUCKS solo: John Bailey (trumpet)
SPIDER OF DESTINY featuring Katie Jacoby (violin)
SCARFACE solo: Katie Jacoby (violin)
GRAND WAZOO
FIFTY-FIFTY solos: Mike Boschen (trombone), Barbara Cifelli (baritone sax), Cliff Lyons (alto sax), Bob Quaranta (piano)
THE INSULT
HARVEST MOON vocals: Bruce McDaniel; solo: Charley Gordon (trombone)
PYGMY TWYLYTE vocals: Napoleon Murphy Brock
PO-JAMA PEOPLE vocals: Napoleon Murphy Brock; solo: Ed Palermo (alto sax)
KIKO AND THE LAVENDER MOON vocals: Candy Zappa; solo: Charley Gordon (trombone)
VENGEANCE solo: Ben Kono (tenor sax)
EVELYN, A MODIFIED DOG vocals: Candy Zappa
VILLAGE OF THE SUN vocals: Jenna McSwain
THE GOAT PATROL solo: John Bailey (trumpet)
IS THAT ALL THERE IS? vocals: Mike James
ANDY vocals: Napoleon Murphy Brock

The Great Un-American Songbook Volumes I & II

2017 Cuneiform Records

Disc 1 - Vol. I

SONG TITLE Featured Soloist(s)
Good Morning, Good Morning vocals: Bruce McDaniel; solo: Bruce McDaniel (guitar)
Open Up Said the World at the Door solos: John Bailey (trumpet), Ted Kooshian (organ)
We Love You vocals: Bruce McDaniel; solo Katie Jacoby (violin)
Eleanor Rigby solos: Ted Kooshian (organ), Katie Jacoby (violin)
Definitely Maybe solo: Phil Chester (soprano sax)
As You Said solo: Katie Jacoby (violin)
Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part II solos: Katie Jacoby (violin), Ben Kono (tenor sax)
21st Century Schizoid Man solo: Ed Palermo (alto sax)
Send Your Son to Die vocals: Bruce McDaniel, Ed Palermo, Katie Jacoby; solo: Ed Palermo (guitar)
Edward, The Mad Shirt Grinder solos: Ben Kono (tenor sax), John Bailey (trumpet), Bob Quaranta (piano), Ted Kooshian (organ), Katie Jacoby (violin)

Disc 2 - Vol. II

SONG TITLE Featured Soloist(s)
America/American Idiot vocals: Bruce McDaniel, Katie Jacoby (violin)
Beggar's Farm vocals: Bruce McDaniel, Ben Kono (tenor sax), John Bailey (trumpet), Bill Straub (tenor sax)
Bitches Crystal solos: Cliff Lyons (alto sax), Chaley Gordon (trombone), Barbara (baritone sax), Bill Straub (tenor sax)
The Wreck of the Hesperus vocals: Bruce McDaniel
Diamond Dust Bob Quaranta (piano)
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys vocals: Bruce McDaniel, solos: Cliff Lyons (alto sax), Michael Boschen (trombone)
Fire vocals: Napoleon Murphy Brock
The Tourist vocals: Bruce McDaniel
Don't Bother Me solo: Katie Jacoby (violin)
Nardis solo: John Bailey (trumpet)
Don't Bother Me (reprise) vocals: Bruce McDaniel
I Wanna Be Your Man vocals: Mick Starkey; solo: Katie Jacoby (violin)
Good Night vocals: Mick Starkey

The Adventures of Zodd Zundgren

2018 Cuneiform Records

SONG TITLE Featured Soloist(s)
The Solemn Z-Men Credo
Peaches en Regalia Cliff Lyons (alto sax)
Influenza Katie Jacoby (violin)
Yer Fast
Absolutely Free
Breathless (Part One)
Big Swifty
Kiddie Boy Bruce McDaniel (vocals); Ed Palermo (guitar)
Montana Napoleon Murphy Brock (vocals); Ed Palermo (alto sax)
Emperor of the Highway Napoleon Murphy Brock, Bruce McDaniel (vocals)
You Are What You Is Katie Jacoby (violin)
Echidna's Arf (of You)
Hello It's Me Bruce McDaniel (vocals)
Big Swifty Coda
Wailing Wall Bill Straub (tenor sax)
Florentine Pogen Napoleon Murphy Brock (vocals); Ted Kooshian (organ); Charley Gordon (trombone); Ray Marchica (drums)
Flamingo
Marqueson's Chicken Ed Palermo (guitar)
Song of the Viking
Janet's Big Dance Number Ben Kono (tenor sax)
Broke Down and Busted John Bailey (trumpet)
Breathless (Part Two)
Zoot Allures
Yer Fast (Reprise)

A Lousy Day in Harlem

2019 Sky Cat Records

SONG TITLE Featured Soloist(s)
Laurie Frink Phil Chester (soprano sax); Bill Straub (tenor sax)
Affinity Cliff Lyons (soprano sax)
Brasilliance Bob Quaranta (piano); John Bailey (trumpet); Bill Straub (clarinet)
Sanfona Phil Chester (soprano sax)
Like Lee Morgan John Bailey (trumpet)
The One with the Red Balloon Charley Gordon (trombone); Nicki Denner (tap dancing)
Minority Ed Palermo (alto sax)
The Cowboy Song Phil Chester (soprano sax)
Well You Needn't Ed Palermo (alto sax); Charley Gordon (trombone); and John Bailey (trumpet)
Giant Steps Bill Straub and Ben Kono (tenor saxes)
Next Year Ed Palermo (alto sax); Gary Oleyar (violin)
Gargoyles Ben Kono (tenor sax); John Bailey (trumpet)
This Won't Take Long Ed Palermo (alto sax)

References

  1. ^ Avedissian, Eric (May 25, 2006). "O.C.'s Ed Palermo has new CD out. Big Band: 'Take Off Your Clothes When You Dance'". Ocean City Sentinel.
  2. ^ Palermo, Ed (December 23, 2007). "Zappa and Jazz". All About Jazz. Retrieved April 17, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d Colli, Beppe (July 12, 2006). "An Interview With Ed Palermo". Clouds and Clocks. Retrieved April 18, 2009.
  4. ^ Stewart, Zan (August 7, 2008). "Palermo inspired by music of Zappa and Butterfield". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved April 18, 2009.
  5. ^ Wheeler, Drew (December 14, 1998). "Ed Palermo Big Band Still Freaking Out the Bottom Line". Retrieved April 17, 2009.
  6. ^ Taylor, Joseph (April 15, 2008). "Zappafied". www.SoundStageAV.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2008. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
  7. ^ Carr, Brian (July 25, 2003). "The Ed Palermo Big Band Plays the Music of Frank Zappa". The Bottom Line. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
  8. ^ Adamy, Paul. "Band Members". EPBB Homepage. Retrieved April 18, 2009.