Christopher brings together a richly textured big band to interpret his sophisticated yet swinging pieces. The Rhythm team of Pete McCann/g, Frank Carlberg/key, John Hebert/b and Mark Ferber/dr is able to gently drive the orchestra through a myriad of moves, as Gil Evans-inspired hues sigh on “Remembrance” and the band gets funky on the rock beat of “Ha! (The Jokes’s On You)”. Rich reeds and brass abound as they surround Calberg’s dreamy piano on “Chaconne” while Jason Rigby’s tenor sax veers through the rich reeds on “So Close, Yet So Far Away.” A pastoral “Lonely Roads” features some lovely oboe work by Ben Kono, a gospel groove propels Dave Pietro’s soprano and Matt Holman’s flugelhorn on the toe tapping “Anthem” and the album closes on a sleek Latin groove on “Aneis.” What’s intriguing about the material and arrangements is how Zuar uses the voice of Jo Lawry as an extra horn, bringing extra texture and depth to material such as “Vulnerable States” and “Aneis.” Thoughtful as well as enjoyable.
Sunnyside Records