Obviously, the first question you have to ask is: do we really need another jazz version of Sketches of Spain? Besides Miles Davis’ classic from the 50s, there have been 2-3 other ones in the past year alone. What gives?
Well, trumpeter and conductor Orbert Davis tackles the behemoth and makes this session an impressive alternative. The orchestra has a more lush sound on “Concierto de Aranjuez” and, let’s face it, Miles’ chops did strain at times on the original, while this Davis soars over the tough passages with a single bound. The orchestra delivers a bit of extra flair on the re-arranged takes of “El Moreno” and “Muerte del Matador” and the closing “Solea” has the drama build up more subtly and convincingly than the Evans/Davis version. A tough challenge, and this Davis comes out a winner.