Wheeling HS Jazz Band, 1970 Dimensional Sounds

About the Jazz Band Digital Recording

I wanted to have a digital copy of some of the great jazz recordings that our high school (Wheeling) did, for my iPod, CDs, etc. Since turn tables are pretty much obsolete and I could not find a copy on the internet anywhere I decided that I would create one myself. So here's a digital recording (MP3) of the WHS Jazz band (1969, 1970) for anyone that might be interested. My copy has some scratches that I wasn't able to filter out all that well, but it came out OK.

From the Album Cover

The Wheeling Jazz Band is one ot the truly outstanding high school jazz groups. Their repertorie includes music of all styles of jaza and rock, much of which is written by director John Higgins. Nearly all of the members improvise; eight are featured on this album. Working with the jazz band and combo members, Higgins encourages student composition as well as creativity in inprovisation.

The band played three concerts this year, participaged in two jazz features, and played a tour of the Boston public schools during their spring vacation.

Side One:

MIDDLE OF THE BIRD
A blues by John Higgins. Solos are by Steve Laspina, bass; Charlie Altmaier, guitar; Rob Chapman, trumpet; Randy Ashton, tenor.

Middle of the Bird - MP3 (stream play) Broadband
Middle of the Bird - MP3 (stream play) Dialup

COME ON BABY
A soul original featuring Lou Rofrano singing. Tenor solo by Randy Ashton, Higgins composition.

Come On Baby - MP3 (stream play) Broadband
Come On Baby - MP3 (stream play) Dialup

SYNTHESIS
A combination of electronic music, rock, jazz and contemporary sounds. A major jazz band work for John Higgins. Solos are by Charlie Altmaier, guitar; Tom Olson and Mike Fisher, trombones; Randy Ashton, flute; Jeff Leep, vibes; Steve Laspina, bass; Randy Ashton sax.

Synthesis - MP3 (stream play) Broadband
Synthesis - MP3 (stream play) Dialup

Side Two:

MEMPHIS UNDERGROUND
A rock tune by Herbie Mann, arranged for the band by John Higgins. Solos are by Randy Ashton, flute; Tom Olson, trombone; Rob Chapman and Loren Gunnison, trumpets; Charlie Altmaier, guitar.

Memphis Underground - MP3 (stream play) Broadband
Memphis Underground - MP3 (stream play) Dialup

INDIAN LADY
A classic by Don Ellis in 5/4. Solos are by Randy Ashton, tenor; Tom Olson, trombone; Charlie Altmaier, guitar; Rob Chapman, trumpet.

Indian Lady - MP3 (stream play) Broadband
Indian Lady - MP3 (stream play) Dialup

NARDITY
A composition by Randy Ashton for jazz quintst. Soloists are Charlie Altmaier, Steve LaSpina, Bob Simonson, Jeff Leep and Randy Ashton.

Nardity - MP3 (stream play) Broadband
Nardity - MP3 (stream play) Dialup

Jazz Band Personnel:

John Higgins, Leader	John Welflin, bass trombone
Rob Chapman, trumpet	John Kyle, tuba
Gary Fry., trumpet	Ron Franklin, alto & soprano sax
Dave Reid, trumpet	Jeff Hill, alto sax
Loren Gunnison, trumpet	Randy Ashton, tenor sax & flute
Ray jarak, trumpet	Mark Gardner, tenor sax
Sean Harvey, trumpet	Kevin Kastens, bari sax
Mike Waters, trumpet	Charlie Altmaier, guitar, electronics
Tom Olson, trombone	Steve LaSpina, bass, electric bass
Mike Fischer, trombone	Bob Simonson, drums
Whit Baily, trombone	Art Cavender, drums
Doug Wilson, trombone	Jeff Leep, vibes, percussion
Ron Allen, valve trombone	Lou Rofrano, vocals

From the Yearbook:

(Sorry the picture is old and my scanner is on the blink (I'll try for a better copy later). Click on the image for a larger view... and note the hand gestures of some of the members...

I am planning on recording the 1970/1971 WHS Jazz band next (that was my senior year - Diminsional Sounds (this one) was my junior year... I am standing in the top row (center)... (yes, I was thin and had hair too!)).

If anyone would like a copy of the album, on a CD, just let me know...

...and this just in... Check out Steve LaSpina's website (our bass player) at:

http://www.stevelaspina.com/

He was extremely talented back in HS and is, of course, even better now!!! Great music!

(Be sure to have your speakers turned on... His home page has some great background music!)

Web Pages Posted by Rob Chapman.

Comments, Suggestions, Additional Info, etc: Email: Rob@HomeKat.com

Wheeling HS Jazz Band Dimensional Sounds

About the Jazz Band Digital Recording

Wheeling HS Jazz Band
Dimensional Sounds