These kind of albums that try to mix jazz and classical seem always to be a big risk, with the dangers seeming to outweigh the benefits. One good sign on this one is that the instrumentation of bass (Peter Seymour), Cello (Eric Stephenson) and flute (Greg Pattilo) makes the margin of error a bit easier, as at least you’ll have some comfortable tone colors. The material mixes Bach, Rossini and Beethoven with a handful of originals. The take of the 5th has a coyish swing, while the trio of Bach’s pieces have a Starbucks Coffee Shop background feel to them. Some gypsy swing pops up on their take of Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee” (a highlight), while their own “Classique” comes off a bit kitschy. The session closes with a true to the word take of the “William Tell Overture” that seems more made for a kids intro to opera than anything else. Anyone here dare attempt the 1812 Overture next time around?
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