Carmelo's By The Freeway--The Bob Florence Limited Edition

From the Bob Florence tribute at the Catalina Bar and Grill (Hollywood) on June 15, 2008, here is the Bob Florence Limited Edition on "Carmelo's By The Freeway".
Saxes: Jennifer Hall, Tom Peterson, Don Shelton, Kim Richmond, Billy Kerr, Bob Efford
Trombones: Alex Iles, Charlie Loper, Bob McChesney, Craig Gosnell
Trumpets: Steve Huffsteter, Pete DeSiena, Carl Saunders, Lee Thornburg, Ron Stout
Bass: Trey Henry
Drums: Peter Erskine
Guitar: Larry Koonse
Apologies to Steve Huffsteter and Larry Koonse, but there is a post blocking them for much of this video.
The entire band played with such energy and spirit all afternoon, but check out the solos by Billy Kerr and Steve Huffsteter--and the stellar performances by Carl Saunders on lead trumpet and Peter Erskine on drums. This was a very special event, celebrating the life of a very special man. Bob would have been grinning ear to ear.

[@dfjazzzzz]

The 1 dislike was from someone who didn't have the chops to play 5th trumpet on this. This is one of my favorite charts to listen to and play. It truly is a blow and Carl and Pete did an awesome job. Bob Florence was also a genius for splitting the lead between the first and third parts. Any aspiring trumpet players should take note of how effortlessly-looking Pete is as he plays the 8va section towards the end (8:15ish). The whole band sounds amazing, excellent job everyone.

[@joemikehap]

This is one of the hippest big band charts ever. I love the truly lovely changes. This band sounds unlike any other, with two bari saxes, all the mute work, and the signature LA studio blend. Back in the day, I went to Sherman Oaks, CA just to say I was in Carmello's. I don't think it's around anymore. Thanks, Bob. We miss you.

[@bob4247]

Brilliant, Beautiful, Bodacious. Bob was right up there with best. RIP

[@jaybion]

This arrangement always brings an emotional tear to my eyes. Love it!

[@corporativomusicalpartytim5399]

Just beautiful sounds, the best brass explotion. From Mexico D.F. congratulations, great musicians!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ChipTingle]

mucho mas, por favor!! So good to get to see a snippet of LA's best paying tribute to their fallen comrade and leader. RIP Sir Florence

[@exvcator]

this guy knew about creating the richness of tones unique to a big band. But also wrote lovely melodies . . "a tune", something sometiems forgotten by some of the modernists. As an arranger he knew how to build a chart up into a superb climax. He charts make you itch to play in the band. What better tribute to leave us than these fantastic charts.

[@Hyslop65]

Bob came to Minnesota as a guest with the JazzMn Big Band. He was a joy to work with, a great talent and fine man.

[@mkaiserme]

You're welcome. Hardly a week goes by that I don't watch this performance again. Yeah, Steve nails the changes, as usual. And watching Carl and Pete work together is a real treat--not to mention the interaction between Carl and Peter Erskine. A very special performance indeed. Mike

[@moreesetaylor872]

How the hell can you dislike this chart...It is one big crescendo!! A couple of false endings!!...God this chart is about crusin' with the top down your best riding next to you!! 9 and a half minutes of Joy!! Great tough chart!!

[@OIFVET02]

BILLY KERR IS A BEAST!!! i study with that man...he's an awesome person

[@pwramirez]

Came across this one by chance... I studied trumpet with Steve back in the day and typed his name into KZbin. Also nice to see Lee Thornburg (Tower of Power) in the section as well. Bob always wrote great stuff!

[@MarTTy4653]

This is outstanding! Good job, guys. ;0)

[@mkaiserme]

dfjazzzzz, just wanted to tell you how hip I think your comment is. Couldn't agree more. Some people listen, others study. You study. Thanks.

[@rdangelo]

The album version is also great, with Rick Baptist blowing the intense lead part. This was originally written to be a slow tune.

[@rdangelo]

All the music teachers/band directors should watch Carl play before they tell their young trumpet players to never lift their shoulders while playing.

[@colinmason9301]

Just curious - was Erskine channeling Nick Ceroli? Some of these fills are identical to the Westlake recording. Maybe it's just what the chart naturally calls for. Doesn't matter to me, it just struck me after listening to the recording for so many years.

[@thenewfbi]

Fabulous! How can I get Bob's library? I'd love to play these charts!

[@squidwards_clarinet]

I would like to get a copy of The Bob Florence Limited edition Big Band playing "Pumpkinette". Do you have that as well? Thanks!

[@rdangelo]

I have a studio version of this chart with Rick Baptist playing great lead, but it was a terrible sounding recording. Sounded like a rehearsal in a living room. Also great drumming by Nick Ceroli.

[@cilcsster]

The photographer could take some tips for another great band on You Tube, mainly, the Bohuslan Big Band with Steve Swallow. Why keep Steve Hauffstetter behind that big post, and why isn't the picture clearer? The music is superb , get the photography right!!