4.0 out of 5 stars
No compromises - professional sounds from a university group, March 20, 2011
This review is from: Romances (Audio CD)
This is an excellent example of how professional a university jazz ensemble can be. The first five tracks provide a sample of the band's work from 1985 through the 1990s. The ensemble playing is tight, and the soloists are on top of their game, making it sound easy.
"Lately" opens the set with an easy swing and great solo work from bass, guitar, and trombone. It's followed by the Horace Silver tune "Gregory Is Here," a Latin-style feature for trombone and bari sax. Trumpet and tenor sax lead the way in a nice chart of "Invitation" from the traditional jazz songbook. The next two tracks, "Divisi" and "Squiggle," are originals by the band's pianist Clay Perry that demonstrate a good appreciation for what a contemporary big band should sound like.
The centerpiece of the album is Maria Schneider's "Three Romances," a three-part suite that is premiered on this 2003 release. This shifts the album to a distinctly different character from the tracks that precede it. The "big band" sound is replaced by something more akin to a symphonic band with featured soloists. The first and third movements are appealing Brazilian-influenced sounds that are far more suited to a concert hall than a jazz club. The second movement, "Pas De Deux," is the only track that didn't make it to my iPod. It has its pretty moments, but it's basically nine-and-a-half minutes of interplay between trumpet and soprano sax that wanders rather than evolves, and the soprano has some intonation problems in a couple of places.
The liner notes are mostly written by Schneider to discuss her suite, plus some general information about the history of the ensemble. This is an exceptional recording from a truly impressive group, but be aware that there are two different styles represented here, which may not appeal to all listeners.
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