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'Quantum Leap'-Paul Cacia and his New Age Jazz Orchestra In concert the Paul Cacia New Age Jazz Orchestra transcended the standard 17-piece big band, utilizing an extended brass section, auxillary percussion and synthesizer for background effects, this recording project reflects that blueprint. The material chosen was to challenge the scope of the modern jazz orchestra, as well as include several orchestrations of classic form. The musicians chosen for this album were paramount, the demanding range, quality of sound and endurance needed, to bring the orchestrations to life would take their toll, every chair was key. The roster of sidemen begins to mirror many of the projects before and after, many of the musicians have distinguished themselves with stellar careers on the west coast studio scene. Top-flight personel have become a trademark of every Paul Cacia project. Chief arranger David Stout penned the contemporary charts and originals and the balance of the orchestrations by Johnny Richards, Willie Maiden, Nelson Riddle, Hank Levy, Rusty Higgins, and Joe Coccia. Review: 'Paul Cacia is a bandleader, studio musician and a trumpeter with a flair for the stratospheric. He will remind you of Maynard. Cacia produced the excellent 1987 release, 'The Alumni Tribute to Stan Kenton.' His 'Quantum Leap,' recorded in the same year, has arrangements by David Stout, Janine Cameo, Hank Levy, Willie Maiden, Johnny Richards, Rusty Higgins and Joe Coccia. The result, given the ingredients, is also very much a tribute to Stan. As with the Kenton band, Cacia and his group are intense and flamboyant. They have a sense of drama. There's the emphasis on brass and percussion, those eloquent trombone solos. The sections are tight and well rehearsed. (Check out those saxes on 'I Have Dreamed.') 'From Mars to Zarathustra' is other-worldly and there are two extended medleys, 'Journey' and 'James Bond.' Vocalist Janine Cameo demonstrates her versatility, sounding diva-like on her emotional 'Journey,' doing the Bassey bit on 'James Bond' and exhibiting a blues touch on ' No One Ever Tells You.' The leader, Cacia, is everywhere and his solo on 'I Have Dreamed' is inspired'. - Bill Falconer Paul Cacia... is recognized throughout the world and has already earned his place alongside the other legendary names in trumpet history. He is among the youngest and most renowned protégé's to master teacher Claude Gordon and Cat Anderson. His early talents were acknowledged by jazz greats Louie Bellson, Don Ellis and Stan Kenton, his professional career began as 1st trumpet to Ray Anthony and the great Al Hirt Big Band in New Orleans. Signed to his first recording contract at age 21, he opened before 60,000 people with the rock group 'Chicago'. He also recorded with Tito Puente and Stevie Wonder, and led the powerful horn section of the Buddy Miles Express in San Francisco. His diverse career includes 7 world-class studio albums featuring his soaring unique trademark trumpet sound. Leaving Los Angeles after a quarter of a century, as a studio musician his credentials include the winter 'Olympic Fanfare's' for Bill Conti, to 'Highway To Heaven' for David Rose. As an orchestra leader for more than 25 years, many jazz legends have appeared in concert, and or, recorded for Paul Cacia among them: Anita O'day, Marshall Royal, Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Lee Konitz, June Christy, Laurindo Almieda, Shelly Manne, Conte Candoli, Bill Watrous, Maria Muldaur, Morgan Brittany, Herb Jefferies, Paula Kelly Jr. and The Modernaires, Louie Bellson, Al Viola, Chuck Findley, Pete Candoli, Conti Candoli, Shorty Rogers, Sammy Nestico, William Russo and Pete Rugolo, et al...
