Once a great while ago, jazz was presented to the masses in symphonic form. That’s when Paul Whiteman’s orchestra with Bix Beiderbecke and Eddie Lang performed “Rhapsody In Blue” for the Gatsby crowd. Here, you’ve got the Symphonic Jazz Orchestrea conducted by Mitch Glickman, filled to the bring with strings and woodwinds but still able to boast jazzers like Ptet Christlieb, Gen Cipriano, Jeff Driskill and Ira Nepus.
Their first task is teaming up with Christian McBride and his three basses along with John Beasley/p and Marvin “Smitty” Smith” for a Four Part “Bass Concerto For McBride” composed by George Duke. The Themes are warm and accessible, with McBride going upright, electric and fretless to the wondrous themes. Guitarist Lee Ritenour joins with Dave Grusin, Chris Coleman/dr and McBride for an orchestration of his own “Symphonic Captain’s Journey” Ritenour is the master of style and taste here, leading into the original 1924 version of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue” with Bill Cunliffe at the piano’s helm. Cunliffe swings sublimely and the orchestra has more “oomph” to it than the usual Pop or Classical versions, thanks to the call from the bullpen for Robert Hurst/b and Peter Erskine/dr to ride the reigns.
Gentlemanly and classy, this is a sophisticated and charming affair.
Mack Avenue Records