ALGO DE LA SANTA MARIA JAZZ BAND

Buenos aires, october 22,1982


THE MISSISSIPPI RAG, May 1982
"Swing en Buenos Aires" (RCA Victor AVS-4840)(1980)
By Kent Hazen
The Santa Maria Jazz Band has to be one of the best bands playing authentic sounding “Swing Era” swing in the world today. If you don’t believe me, buy this record, and if you still don’t believe me, meet me outside. They have it all: tight ensemble, enthusiastic and idiomatic soloists, infectious rhythm, original arrangements, original compositions and good taste in tune selection.
“Roll’em” and “Chant of the Week”(sic) are the Mary Lou Williams and Don Redman arrangements, respectively, but all the other numbers were arranged by Santa Marians. Trumpeter Omar Olivers (sic), in addition to being a vigorous soloist, seems to be the head honcho in the writing department as well. Six arrangements are his, including three on tunes of his own composition: “Harlem Bounce” (an attractive riff piece), “Santa Maria Stomp” (based on the chords of “Stompin' at the Savoy”, but very effective nonetheless) and “San Francisco Blues”. Olivera’s (sic) section mate, Pancho Nisivoccia, penned two charts, and trombonist Jorge Garrote contributed another. (…)