The Story Behind the Unexpected Guests Project

Unexpected Guests: The Origin Story

Band leader Ira B. Liss of the Big Band Jazz Machine and composer Dan Radlauer both love the Big Band Classics, but they also enjoy pushing the boundaries of what a Big Band can do.

When Radlauer’s composition “Mazel Tov Kocktail,” (a mash up of Eastern European Klezmer and Jazz) became the title cut on the Big Band Jazz Machine’s 6th album, the idea came to them to do a whole concept album of unexpected artists and instruments paired with the classic Jazz Big Band. Thus, “Unexpected Guests” was conceived.

Their first “wouldn’t it be great” thought was to feature a major Country artist, and Vince Gill immediately came to mind. They approached the 22 time Grammy winning Country legend with a simple email. Turns out that Vince is as openminded as he is talented. He loved the idea.

Radlauer took Vince Gill’s song “I’m Counting on You” and created a classic Big Band arrangement to feature Vince and the band. In March of 2023, in between tour dates with the Eagles, Vince stepped into the studio with Radlauer, Liss and the Big Band Jazz Machine, marking the beginning of what would become an amazing musical journey. (click here to see Vince Gill in studio with the band)

Each Unexpected Guest presented unique challenges and opportunities. Radlauer spent hours listening to the various artist’s body of work. He then created a special arrangement of something from the artist’s existing catalog, or composed an original composition crafted around the instrument and the musical sensibilities of each featured artist.

Along the way, he would run sketches by the artist for input and suggestions. Radlauer’s goal was to present every artist’s unique sound in an authentic way, while simultaneously giving the band room to show their musical prowess.

Once the composition and/or arrangement was completed, Liss rehearsed the band without the artist present to make sure the arrangement and band were on point for the recording session.

Similarly, each artist had a detailed “Mock Up” to work with so they could come into the live recording session fully prepared.

The entire album was recorded at “Studio West,” a beautiful, state of the art recording facility in San Diego where the band is based. The recording sessions were actually the first time the featured artist and band would play together. The synergy of this fresh meeting and the excitement of a real time recording situation contributed to the creative energy found on every selection.

There are excellent behind the scenes videos, complete with interviews with all the artists, Dan Radlauer and Ira Liss which capture the creative chemistry of each recording session. (Link to Videos)andjazzmachine.net/unexpected-guests-1

As Jazz reviewer Jonathan Widran put it, “This is easily one of the most innovative and adventurous contemporary Big Band Albums ever.” Certainly this three year journey that started with a phone call and an idea is unlike any Big Band Album ever recorded. From Cello, to Recorder, to Ukulele to a major Country Superstar, Unexpected Guests succeeds at expanding the boundaries of what a Big Band can do.