Information/Write-up
The first jazz composer to receive a Canada Council Grant for advanced study, Ron Collier is one of the young-and-unpretentious new look of television jazz. Ron appeared last year for a Marking Time Special (Toronto’s tribute to the Stratford Music Festival, 1957). These same talents were evident at the Stratford performance of his own music, and this excellent Tentet record. As a musician-composer and arranger (and sometimes actor), Ron Collier has performed for the CBC, CTV, and in film.
Born in Coleman, Alberta, Ron Collier studied composition and arranging at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He also holds a diploma in music education from the University of Toronto. His flair for jazz composition and arrangement, and his adventurous approach to sound led him to further studies under the British Isles and Holland.
In pursuit of further training, Ron moved to Toronto in 1950, studying at the Royal Conservatory (with John Weinzweig among others) and since 1952 Ron has played, taught and formed his own groups.
He became interested in jazz composition through association with several symphony orchestras and classical jazz units. His work appeared on film soundtracks, on CBC and CTV shows, and with the Toronto and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras, the CBC Symphony Orchestra, and others. His writing is widely admired for its fresh tone colour and broad use of musical space. This is well heard here on radio and entered by the CBC in national jazz prize competitions.
Ron later re-formed the quintet to a “tentet” to match Ron’s much acclaimed film score (for Tyler) and recent work on occasions from radio, TV, and stage.
SIDE ONE
1. I Feel Pretty
1957, CAPAC
Composers: Sondheim, Bernstein
The spiritual rhythms are more than obvious in this Ron Collier arrangement from West Side Story. Guido Basso on “wa-wa” trumpet, solos throughout.
2. Hockey Theme
Composer: Sasba Burbarud
Written by Sasba Burbarud and arranged by Ron Collier, this number has become very familiar to all who watch NHL hockey on TV.
3. Come Sunday
CAPAC
Composer: Duke Ellington
One of Duke Ellington’s most beautiful songs from his Black, Brown and Beige suite. Ron Collier on trombone.
4. Walking Out
1962, CAPAC
Composer: Ron Collier
Guido Basso playing flugelhorn takes the solo spot on this cool-jazz arrangement from Ron Collier.
5. The Days of Wine and Roses
CAPAC
Composers: Mercer, Mancini
From the motion picture of the same name, Henry Mancini’s song gets a unique jazz treatment here with solos from Ed Bickert, Ron Collier, and Fred Stone on trumpet.
6. Lee’s Lament
Composer: Ron Collier
The interaction of flugelhorn, trombone and baritone sax provides a unique feature for this blues composition by Ron Collier. Ed Bickert solos.
SIDE TWO
1. I Believe in You
1961, CAPAC
Composer: Loesser
Bill Britto, who sparks the rhythm section on bass, also shows his talent as arranger of this number.
2. Relaxin’
1958, CAPAC
Composer: Ron Collier
The musical result is no more than what the title implies. Ernie Pitches on clarinet lends a “down home” feel to Ron Collier’s composition.
3. The Thrill Is Gone
1931, CAPAC
Composers: Brown, Henderson
Blue notes but the melody isn’t. Bernie Piltch’s flute puts emphasis on this point. Arranged by Ron Collier.
4. Fair Wind
Composer: Norm Symonds
One of Canada’s foremost composers, Norm Symonds wrote this impressionistic suite for a performance at the Stratford Music Festival. “Fair Wind” is from this suite, and this arrangement features Bernie Piltch on alto sax.
5. Charade
CAPAC
Composer: Henry Mancini
The talent of Fred Stone is heard on flugelhorn and trumpet. His arrangement of this song is ample proof.
6. Just About Now
Composer: Ron Collier
The flugelhorns of Fred Stone and Guido Basso lead a perfect interpretation of Ron Collier’s composition.
Ron Collier: trombone
Butch Watanabe: trombone
Ron Hughes: trombone
Guido Basso: trumpet, flugelhorn
Fred Stone: trumpet, flugelhorn
Ed Bickert: guitar
Bernie Piltch: saxophone, clarinet, flute
Mort Ross: saxophone, clarinet, flute
Bill Britto: bass violin
Archie Alleyne: drums
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