Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra: Portraits and Places

Scott Reeves conducts an impressive big band and even plays his flugelhorn on this collection of original compositions. The music is varied and intelligent, with a modal 6/8 “The Soulful Mr. Williams” including the leader soloing through the blues. The horn sections sizzle, snap and pop, swaggering on “Last Call” and bopping through “3 ‘n 2” along with Tim Armacost’s tenor sax and Bill Mobley’s trumpet on the latter.

Guest star Steve Wilson pops in for a bit, lending is soprano along with Jim Ridi’s piano on the Gil Evans-inspired “Osaka June” and glides along with Andy Watson’s brushes on the nifty “Wants To Dance.” The latter includes some Japanese dialogue by Emi Miyajima Nobe and Yusuki and accompanying voice from Sara Serpa, who returns for a sleek samba during “Aquas De Marco.” Swinging with style.

Origin Records

www.originarts.com

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