Review of ASMAC “Hangout” -January 23, 2018

January 23 ASMAC hangout and arranger’s challenge at Viva Cantina in Burbank was great fun for all involved. The first arranger’s challenge was between 2 world champions: Sammy Nestico and Billy May competing with their arrangements of All of Me performed with excellence by the Flight 584 Jazz Band. Both All of Me arrangements although very different from each other scored the highest possible amount of points so it was called a tie.

The main event of the evening was the arranging challenge answered by ASMAC members Tony Corman, Imre Czomba, Daniel Guerrero, Igor Kogan, Milton Nelson and Kim Richmond who provided big band charts with flying themes for the Flight 584 Jazz Band to sight read.

The audience was treated to a dual of Sweet Georgia Brown arrangements. One by Sammy Nestico and the other by Manny Album . Two very different arrangements with exciting results for the audience. Vocalist Lynn Keller joined the band and provided an exciting performance to top off the evening’s entertainment.

If you are an ASMAC member and interested in writing a big band arrangement to be played Flight 584 Jazz Band at a future ASMAC hangout event. Contact ASMAC at info@asmac.org