| Jazz |
It is by no means contradictory to cherish complex works while also appreciating those of a more classical nature—works such as these, which will inevitably bring a smile to your lips and whose beauty of arrangement can be admired in equal measure. Here, no fewer than twelve previously unreleased recordings by the legendary Vancouver big band luminary are accompanied by essays from Corry Weeds and author Chris Wong, alongside interviews with trumpeter Donnie Clark and bassist Don Thompson. Happy Faces is an album that gathers together the long-hidden archival recordings of the Dave Robbins Big Band. Captured between 1963 and 1965 during broadcasts of Jazz Workshop from the Cave Supper Club in Vancouver, aired on the CBC, these twelve buoyant and dynamic pieces illuminate the artistry of exceptional musicians such as tenor saxophonist Fraser MacPherson, pianist Chris Gage, alto saxophonist Dave Quaren, trumpeter Donnie Clark, and many more.
Dave Robbins possessed an innate mastery of melody and grandiose arrangements. A pivotal figure in this musical universe, he left an indelible mark on Vancouver’s sonic landscape—whether as a member of the city’s symphony orchestra, as the leader of his beloved big band, or in countless other contexts. One cannot help but be struck by the remarkable quality of these recordings: while the music bears the imprint of its era, the recordings themselves are rendered with such clarity and finesse that they evoke the immediacy of a work conceived in the present day. “Even without knowing the personnel, one could instantly surmise that this is an ensemble composed of the finest musicians from the Los Angeles West Coast scene,” observes Cory Weeds, founder and proprietor of Cellar Music Group, in the liner notes, drawing comparisons to luminaries such as Richie Kamuca, Bob Cooper, and Conte Candoli. “One thing is certain: this orchestra is made up of West Coast stars… but they are Vancouver’s stars, from British Columbia, Canada—many of whom remain all too unknown to the rest of the world.”
And therein lies the true merit of this album: to correct that oversight. Even in the twenty-first century, this collection has lost none of its brilliance. Whether in ensemble or in solo passages, these musicians astonish with their swing and precision, maintaining an impeccable cadence—like clockwork—without ever sacrificing the poetry of the compositions. If you are yet unfamiliar with this musical world, let Robbins be your guide.
After an electrifying introduction from the announcer (“From the West Coast, it’s Jazz Workshop!”), Happy Faces opens with its jubilant title track, composed by Sonny Stitt and arranged by Quincy Jones. The album then unfurls a dazzling showcase of brilliant soloists, navigating remarkable compositions by Dick Grove (Have Vine, Will Swing, Canto de Oriole), Paul Ruhland (Playa del Rey, Reflections), Ray Sikora (March Winds Blow), Bobby Hales (Africa Lights), and many others.
As trumpeter Donnie Clark recounts in the liner notes, Robbins had assembled these musicians under the auspices of Jazz Workshop—many of whom formed the nucleus of the Happy Faces Band—to interpret works by avant-garde composers from New York and California. “The CBC would purchase the scores from these composers, and we would perform them with the orchestra,” he recalls, reminiscing about colleagues such as French horn player Doug Kent, alto saxophonist Dave Quaren, and Bobby Hales himself on trumpet. “But this was a true jazz orchestra. Bassist Paul Ruhland played a crucial role in the ensemble—not only as a performer but as a composer and arranger of remarkable talent. He wrote many of the works featured on this program.”
.—one you will take as much pleasure in listening to as in sharing with friends on a convivial evening. And, truth be told, how I would have relished the chance to witness this ensemble in its heyday! Alas, at the time, I was but a child, oceans away—such an experience was never within my grasp. But I make amends now, ensuring this album finds its rightful place among our treasured Indispensables.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, February 24th 2025
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