The Fabulous Bill Holman, His Octet And Orchestra
“Bill Holman is one of the most amazing talents of this era. His music is natural; he tolerates no force or hostility in his jazz. One of the composers of modern day linear writing, he has already affected the necessary change in the growth of orchestrated jazz. Holman’s dry wit is one of his most entertaining attributes. His music, though technically serious, is a mirror of his happy philosophy––at times even humorous. He enjoys a unanimous affection from all in jazz, both musically and personally,” said Stan Kenton.
According to Holman: “Melodically, I try to write human, singable lines with natural curves, sometimes trying for an improvised feel... Rhythmically, I use a lot of syncopation and off-beat accents in the ensembles as a band seems to be able to get together easier on off beats than on on beats.”
Tracklisting:
1. Sparkle
2. Tanglefoot
3. Song Without Words
4. Awfully Busy
5. Plain Folks
6. Back To Minors
7. Cousin Jack
8. On The Town
9. Jughaid
10. Locomotion
11. Airegin
12. Evil Eyes
13. You And I
14. Bright Eyes
15. Come Rain Or Come Shine
16. The Big Street
Personnel and dates:
#1-8: Bill Holman Octet with Don Fagerquist (tp), Bob Enevoldsen, Stu Williamson (vtb), Herb Geller (as), Bill Holman (ts), Bob Gordon (bars), Curtis Counce (b), Stan Levey (d). Hollywood, May 4 & 12, 1954.

#9-10: Same personnel but Nick Travis replaces Fagerquist, and Max Bennett replaces Counces. Hollywood, August 2, 1954.

#11-14: Bill Holman Orchestra with Conte Candoli, Ray Lynn, Al Porcino (tp), Harry Betts, Bob Fitzpatrick, Ray Sims (tb), Stu Williamson (vtb), Herb Geller, Charlie Mariano (as), Bill Holman, Richie Kamuca, Charlie Kennedy (ts), Steve Perlow (bars), Lou Levy (p), Max Bennett (b), Mel Lewis (d). Hollywood, April 25, 1957.

#15-16: Same personnel but Lewis McCreary replaces Betts. Hollywood, April 29, 1957.
Released 2006.