CDs and MP3s

The band recorded two great albums – "Bandwidth" and "Hard Drive" – over a decade ago. While we remain extremely proud of the band's musical accomplishments during that period, as well as the huge number of hours recording and producing the albums many of us invested, the band has grown by leaps and bounds in so many ways. Those CDs are no longer available for sale at gigs, and the individual tracks are no longer available for online purchase.

We are leaving up descriptions and sound clips below for historical reference. If you are interested in obtaining one or both CDs, please email request to alsaloky@aol.com – make sure to use the Subject line "Request for Compaq Big Band CD(s)", and mention which CD(s) you'd like.

"Hard Drive" - Our second CD. Featuring a mix of high-powered instrumentals spotlighting great soloists, powerful ensemble work, and exciting vocal performances, "Hard Drive" includes charts ranging from swing, to straight ahead jazz, to rock -- from up-tempo 'burners' to touching ballads. Included arrangements are from the iconic bands of Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, Tom Kubis, and Gordon Goodwin. Also spotlighted are unique compositions, arrangements, and adaptations from the band's tenor sax player and Librarian, Scott Tringali.

The feature track on "Hard Drive" is Adrian Drover's arrangement of Jimmy Webb's "MacArthur Park", which embodies the full-sized Maynard Ferguson Big Band on their 1970 landmark album "MF Horn". Very special guest artist, trumpet virtuoso Wayne Bergeron, steals the show. One of the world's most sought-after jazz trumpet players, Wayne plays lead with Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, performs and records with his own big band, has won Grammy nominations, and has appeared on numerous TV shows, movie soundtracks, and concert guest appearances worldwide.

The album features vocalist Britt Sawdon, and she shines on charts crafted for Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Renee Olstead, and others.

Two tracks showcase longtime Compaq Big Band friend and popular Boston-based vocalist Ed Scheer with charts from his band, 'The Love Dogs', arranged especially for the Compaq Big Band by Scott Tringali.

"Hard Drive" was released on June 3, 2011, at our CD Release Party at the Regattabar Jazz Club, Cambridge, MA.

Hard Drive sound clips...
Track 1 The Heat's On
Track 2 Why Don't You Do Right?
Track 3 MacArthur Park
Track 4 Georgia On My Mind
Track 5 Can't Get Rid Of You
Track 6 Blackbird
Track 7 On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Track 8 I Just Can't Wait To Be King
Track 9 Deedles' Blues
Track 10 Soon
Track 11 It's Only A Paper Moon
Track 12 Beauty And The Beast
Track 13 Too Old To Die Young Now
Track 14 Meet Me, Midnight

"Bandwidth" - the Compaq Big Band's debut CD - contains a mix of vocal and instrumental charts that showcase the power of fifteen horns, a cookin' rhythm section, great instrumental soloists, and terrific vocalists. Included on the album are the standards you'd expect from an authentic big band - those that pay tribute to the Count Basie Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and more. But standards are just the solid foundation for the CD. We complemented these classics with high-energy charts from Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, the Doc Severinsen Tonight Show Orchestra, and one of the top progressive big band arrangers of that period, Tom Kubis.

Two tracks showcase longtime Compaq Big Band friend and popular Boston-based vocalist Ed Scheer with charts from his band, 'The Love Dogs', arranged especially for the Compaq Big Band by Scott Tringali.

Released in 2005, "Bandwidth" went to a second pressing of 1000 units and has been featured on New England radio stations, BBC2 radio in the United Kingdom, and Swedish National Radio.

Bandwidth sound clips...
Track 1 On The Street Where You Live
Track 2 It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Track 3 Straighten Up and Fly Right
Track 4 Big Swing Face
Track 5 Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me
Track 6 Which Craft?
Track 7 Mack The Knife
Track 8 In A Mellow Tone
Track 9 I've Got You Under My Skin
Track 10 The Jersey Bounce
Track 11 The Lady Is A Tramp
Track 12 Embraceable You
Track 13 Nice Work If You Can Get It
Track 14 Samba Dees Godda Do It

Bandwidth sound clips Winamp playlist

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