Bob Florence Big Band

Born with perfect pitch, Bob Florence started piano lessons at the age of five. He later studied at Los Angeles City, taking courses on harmony, counterpoint, and music appreciation, he also took a class in arranging and orchestration from Bob McDonald, was introduced to jazz, and swiftly joined the college jazz band. Florence first attracted widespread attention when he wrote elegantly crafted arrangements for Si Zentner’s popular band in the early-'60s. He subsequently wrote for Bud Shank and Frank Capp, but also varied his technique to accommodate blues singers Jimmy Witherspoon and Big Miller. Florence also led his own band through succeeding decades, earning widespread acclaim for "The Bebop Treasure Chest (on 1986’s TRASH CAN CITY) by seamlessly blending phrases from 16 tunes.