Full Faith & Credit Big Band - FF&C III (1988)

“FF&C III” (1988) by the Full Faith & Credit Big Band is a dynamic and richly orchestrated contemporary jazz big band recording that showcases the ensemble’s precision, versatility, and modern arranging sensibilities. Released on TBA Records, the album blends traditional big band language with more progressive and experimental contemporary jazz elements, resulting in a diverse and engaging listening experience. The repertoire spans original compositions and reinterpretations of jazz standards, each arranged with a strong focus on sectional interplay, harmonic sophistication, and rhythmic drive. The brass and woodwind sections deliver powerful ensemble passages alongside intricate counterpoint, while the rhythm section provides both swing foundation and modern groove textures. Solos are distributed across a wide roster of skilled musicians, adding variety and color throughout the album’s duration. With its combination of tight ensemble execution and creative arrangements, “FF&C III” stands as a strong example of late 1980s contemporary big band jazz, balancing tradition with forward-looking musical ideas.

Tracklist:
1. No Timeouts Left (Brown)
2. Angel Eyes (Dennis)
3. Perdido (Tizol)
4. We'll Share the Dawn (Barton)
5. Out of Nowhere (Green)
6. Irrelevant, Incompetent and Immaterial (Braymen)
7. Free Associations (Beal)
8. Lament (Johnson)
9. Black Tie (Ferrante)

Personnel
Tony Corman - lead alto saxophone, flute
Pete Lewis - alto saxophone, flute
Tod Dickow, Steve Steinberg - tenor saxophone, flute
Clare Church - baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
Rich Bice - lead trumpet, flugelhorn
John Worley, Jeff Beal, Jim Benham, Dent Hand - trumpet, flugelhorn
Chris Braymen - lead trombone
Jeff Cressman, Steve Kohlbacher - trombone
Mike Birch, Dick Leland - bass trombone
Melanie Jones - piano
Seward McCain - acoustic bass, electric bass
Jeff Ballard (#1,5,9), Russ Tincher (#2-4,6-8) - drums