Search - Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra :: Just for Now

Advanced Big Band Jazz That Swings - 4 & 1/2 stars

John Tapscott | Canada | 07/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dave McMurdo's Toronto-based jazz orchestra is one of the finest such aggregations in the world. Yes, that is high praise, but the personnel, charts, and performance are about as good as any you'll hear anywhere. It really is a shame this band does not play together more often, but when they do an excellent recording usually comes out of it. Such is the case with this very fine 2 CD set which was recorded at a 2 week gig at a Toronto club in early 2001. Every chart and performance is extremely interesting, with 6 different arrangers (5 of whom are band members) contributing charts. McMurdo himself is perhaps the most advanced arranger with pieces like "B&S" and "Rhaposdy" reflecting a strong Brookmeyer/McNeely influence. This latter chart has some incrdible dissonant chords, which sound "wrong" while being played perfectly "right". The dean of Canadian big band jazz, Phil Nimmons, contributes two ballad charts, "Just For Now" and "Times Passed." Don Thompson, Mike Malone, Mark Promane and Terry Promane are the other arrangers. The charts by these musicians do not sound quite as advanced as McMurdo's, but they are still quite challenging to musician and listener alike, and push the boundaries of big band jazz arranging. Once again, the listener is reminded that this is not a shouting band (though it can when the chart demands it), but a band which favors middle register playing, moving and contrasting lines, and warm sectional voicings. Perhaps the best thing about this recording is that no matter how advanced the music becomes, it always swings, and often very hard, on charts such as "Weep", "This Butt's For You," "You Are the Song", and "Mr. C.P.", to name four examples. With this band you never forget that you are listening to hard-core jazz. The soloists are consistently interesting, with newcomer Quinsin Nachoff particulary outstanding on clarinet and tenor. Alex Dean brings his bustling Rollins-like tenor to the fore, as well. Trumpeters Mike Malone, Kevin Trucotte and Chase Sanborn get space to blow, as do trombonists McMurdo and Terry Promane, guitarist Reg Schwager, and baritonist Perry White. Lead trumpeter Sandy Barter deserves a strong mention, as does the rhythm section - pianist Thompson (whose frequent solos are a highlight), guitarist Schwager, bassist Paul Novoty, and drummer Kevin Dempsey, who lights up the music with his swinging drive. Overall, this is a rewarding, well-recorded 115 minute set, which invites repeated listenings. It is warmly recommended to all lovers of modern big-band jazz."