Very Persuasive Big Band Jazz
John Tapscott | Canada | 08/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On the latest CD by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, there is not one chart by Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, or Jim McNeely to be heard. This time, the VJO has chosen to record charts by other, perhaps less-recognized contributors to the book. Yet there is no reduction in musical interest, intensity, or hard-driving swing.The 59 minute CD begins with a blistering, memorable original by Jimmy Giuffre entitled "Dragonfly". Rich Perry blows an exceptionally interesting tenor solo on this track. Following is "Antigua" a fire-filled samba by Bob Mintzer. Next up is "A Simple Wish", the first of two outstanding originals by the late Julie Cavidini, to whom this CD is dedicated. This chart, along with her "Can I Persuade You" are warm, reflective, but very dramatic pieces. The latter track features a soulful Dick Oatts on alto, while "A Simple Wish" builds to a dynamic climax and release in almost Kenton-like fashion. Scott Wendholt is featured in a heart-felt flugelhorn solo. Ms. Cavadini, who died in 1988 at the age of 31, was a most gifted writer.
Former band trombonist Ed Neumeister contibuted a hard-driving chart on Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil", with solos by Oatts and rising star Wendholt on trumpet. Garnett Brown, a trombonist in the early Thad-Mel band, is represented by two charts. First is a jaunty look at "Sophisticated Lady" featuring John Mosca on trombone and bartione star Gary Smuylan. "Bachafillen" is Brown's hard-driving modal original with plenty of solo space for altoist Billy Drewes, tenorist Ralph Lalama, and the band's newest member, trombonist Luis Bonilla.
Finally, arranger supreme Bill Holman, contributed a lengthy uptempto chart on "Just Friends" which features the whole saxophone section in solos and in a brief collective-style improvisation. The band really roars on this one. The rhythm section, John Riley on drums, Dennis Irwin on bass, and Jim McNeely on piano, is outstanding on this track and throughout the CD. (McNeely and Irwin are well featured as soloists on "Antiqua"). The personnel of this band has been remarkably consistent for the past two decades, even after Mel Lewis' death in 1990, when leadership was passed over the Oatts, Mosca, and McNeely. The section leaders, Oatts, Mosca, and Earl Gardner have been in place since 1978(!) which may account for the almost unparalleled intensity and focus of the band's sound. The sound is excellent on this production from Planet Arts, who must be congratulated for recording this band. Is this the finest big jazz band (or jazz orchestra) on the planet today? Listen to "Can I Persuade You?" and you may be persuaded! This CD is highly recommended to all lovers of Modern Big Band Jazz."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1