Stellar performances of these little-known works!
Bruckner8 | 05/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like American cross-over music this is for you! Alec Wilder manages to combine classical idioms with jazz and popular flair in infinitely varying degrees in these Suites.
At times, I thought Sinatra's crooning voice was around the corner. Then Wilder would surprise me with orchestration reminiscent of Respighi! I thoroughly enjoyed the contrast within and across the selections in this collection. There are 25 tracks on this CD, with none longer than 3½ minutes. Each track is a fresh morsel of purely American musical taste.
The solo performances are outstanding! The lyricism and free spirit brought to the fore by these musicians is inspiring. They all sounded completely at home with this music, totally effortless, with a tinge of witticism and charm! Very fresh indeed.
Honorable Mention goes to Sandra Clark: Not only did she play the heck out of the horn on this recording, she also produced it! I hope she has more projects like this in the works!
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