It’s a rare thing these days to hear modern big band music. Here are a couple ones worth seeking out that sound fresh, vibrant and modern.
Saxophonist Bob Mintzer has carved out a remarkably flexible career, working with the Yellowjackets and tons of other solo projects. His big band forays tend to get overlooked, and more’s the pity, as his compositions and charts are quite impressive. This band, 19 pieces in all, features some amazingly crisp and full section work, with the horns and reeds vying back and forth like cloud patterns on the post bop pieces like “Aha” and “For the Moment.” The sax section on the salsa flavored “Berimbau” is quite flavorful , with Mintzer’s own tenor solo a highlight. Guitarist/vocalist Chico Pinheiro delivers some lovely Brazilian touches on gentle takes of “Um Filme” and “Corcovado,” making this disc quite well rounded. Worth searching out.
Arranger/composer Gil Evans would have been 100 years old in 2012. Didn’t he always look old anyway? The revolutionary chart man left some unfinished business when he departed this earth for his meeting with his Maker, and conductor Ryan Truesdell takes up the baton to flesh out the discovered archives. The band has 32 rotating members, with some heavy hitters like frank Kimbrough/p, Steve Wilson/ww, Donny McCaslin, Lewis Nash/dr, Joe Locke/vibes sitting in and guest vocalists Kate McGarry, Wendy Gilles and the lovely Luciana Souza. The songs vary between short and concise uptown swing ditties “How About You” and “Dancing On A Great Big rainbow” to moody and slowly undulating themes such as the richly delicate “Punjab” or the artsy journey of “Waltz/Variation On The Misery/So Long.” Souza’s interpretation of “Look to the Rainbow” with Jay Anderson’s bass is an evocative highlight as is the eerie and nourish “Barbara Song” with Joe Locke’s vibes. Enchanting sounds, making you miss Evans’ music all the more.
MCG Jazz Records
Artist Share Records