Directed by Andy Baker and Ken Partyka, the New Standard Jazz Orchestra features originals and a couple covers with rich arrangements provided by the 17 piece band. The brass section has lots of fun and opportunities for delivering rich colors and textures. A read of Ellington’s “Star Crossed Lovers” is lush and fragrant, setting the mood for excellent solos for Marguis Hill/tp and Tim Coffman/tb while a clever read of the pop hit “Close To You” gives some space for Dan Murphy’s piano. The orchestra shows it’s toe tapping side on “Bu’s Groove” and some oil pain texture are delivered for Chris Madsen’s alto sax on “Spring and Fall.” A nice mix of grey matter and viscera mix in this body of work.
OA2 Records