CD Review: Royce Campbell feauturing the Vosbein Magee Big Band, "Vagabond"

Acclaimed guitarist and composer Royce Campbell has just released his new CD, Vagabond, featuring the Vosbein Magee Big Band, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The album contains ten original Campbell compositions plus a stunning version of the timeless standard, Body and Soul.

Campbell has long been a respected figure in the jazz world, having recorded with greats such as Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, Sarah Vaughan, Fred Hersch, and Rosemary Clooney, just to name a few. On Vagabond, however, Campbell is front and center—not just for his elegant guitar work, but also for his distinctive writing style. What strikes me most is the way he builds strong, memorable melodies that blossom into beautiful music. It’s easy to understand why Henry Mancini kept Campbell on tour for over two decades, and why Quincy Jones once remarked, “Every note Royce plays is perfect.”

The Vosbein Magee Big Band, formed in 2015, provides the perfect setting for Campbell’s work. Co-led by Terry Vosbein, the band has earned a reputation for reviving unique and under-explored jazz works, and here they bring Campbell’s originals to life with energy, clarity, and swing. This is big band tradition at its best: music that feels both fresh and familiar, accessible yet inventive.

Two tracks especially stood out to me. The title track, Vagabond, swings hard and immediately draws you in with its driving rhythm and smart arrangement. Then there’s Body and Soul, a standard we’ve all heard countless times, but here reimagined with an outstanding Carroll DeCamp arrangement. Campbell’s playing is tender yet assured, making this version one of the most compelling I’ve heard in years.

This is an album that showcases both the artistry of Royce Campbell and the vitality of the Vosbein Magee Big Band. If you’re looking for jazz that honors tradition while offering something truly fresh, Vagabond belongs on your playlist.

PLAYLIST:

1. Peepers

2. Gentle Breeze

3. A Sharp Blues

4. Body and Soul

5. Mambo Puente

6. Moon Cycle

7. Vagabond

8. Middle Ground

9. Dancing Waterfall

10. Inner Peace

11. Viper

PLAYERS:

Bill Schnepper- Alto, Soprano, Flute

Greg Moody- Alto, Clarinet, Percussion

James Cotton- Tenor, Clarinet

Kelli Birchfield- Tenor

Kyle Greaney- Bari

Matthew Billings- Piano

Bob Bowen- Upright and Electric Bass

DeWayne Peters- Drums

Chris Magee, Alec Moser, Brian Quackenbush, Kerry Moffit- Trumpet

Matt Niess, Tome Lundberg, Tom McKenzie, Tyler Bare- Trombone

Royce Campbell- Guitar and Compsitions

Terry Vosbein- Director 

I have attached two songs from "Vagabond".  The first is a spirited Campbell composition and the title tune, "Vagabond".  The second is a beautiful sounding arrangement of "Body and Soul".

                                                                    "Vagabond"

                                                                    "Body and Soul"

CD Review: University of Nevada Las Vegas Jazz Emsemble 1, "Let The Good Times Roll".

The UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1 proves that jazz is alive and thriving in Las Vegas with their new release, Let the Good Times Roll. Directed by Dave Loeb and Nathan Tanouye, this 12-track album blends youthful energy with professional polish, featuring fresh student arrangements and first-rate ensemble playing.

From the opening title track to the closing “Finale (for Katie Charlotte)”, the band delivers big-band swing, lyrical ballads, and inventive new works. Guest artists—Laura Taylor, Curt Miller, Kenny Rampton, Clint Holmes, Naomi Mauro, Adam Schroeder, and Dr. Isrea Butler—add star power, while student composers and arrangers showcase the future of the art form.

With nearly 30 musicians bringing passion and precision, the recording is both a celebration of tradition and a glimpse into jazz’s exciting next chapter.

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Playlist:

1. Let the Good Times Roll

2. Chinoiserie

3. Too Close for Comfort

4. Emily

5. Check Up

6. Bohemia After Dark

7. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes

8. Alright, Okay, You Win

9. The Collective

10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

11. Braggin' n’ Brass

12. Finale (For Katie Charlotte)

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Players:

Guest Artists: Laura Taylor (vocals), Curt Miller (trombone), Kenny Rampton (trumpet), Clint Holmes (vocals), Naomi Mauro (vocals), Adam Schroeder (baritone sax), Dr. Isrea Butler (trombone)
Student Musicians: 27 members of UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1 (saxophones, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section, vibraphone, and French horn)
Arrangers/Composers: Surafael Tamre, Tristan Selzler, Jaren Glick, Renzon Maballo, Mateo Hurtado de Mendoza

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I have attached two cuts from the CD for your listening pleasure.  The first tune is the Johnny Mandel classic "Emily" with a terrific arrangement from Renzon Maballo and features great solo work from Curt Miller.  The second selection is "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes" written by Ben Weissman and arranged by Jaren Glick.

                                                                              "Emily"

                                                          "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes"