Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: Invitation

Directed by alto saxophonist Art Bouton, the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra provides some modern arrangements for jazz standards, with an original thrown in for good measure. Of the latter, baritonist Will Swindler’s “Hop Scotch” is a big and brassy piece filled with confidence in the latter day Basie mold.  “Prelude to a Kiss” is given a clever Latin flavor to support Heidi Schmidt’s rich voice as the reeds sound richly cool toned for Gerry Mulligan’s “Festive Minor.” The sections are muscular and do some rich work on ”It Amazes Me” and are bright, clear and polished  for a galloping “Birdland” as solos by Eric Erhardt/ts and Mike Abbot/g show that the members are quite strong in the spotlight as well. A joy for swingers.

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