Artistic Director, conductor and composer Josh Grossman celebrates 20 years of the Toronto Jazz Orchestra with a strong collection of original pieces and arrangements. He shows clever ideas abounding with a funky rendition of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence” based on a Brad Mehldau interpretation. You also get a four piece “4 PN” while has a hip bluesy pulse that features Carissa Neufeld’s piano, some punchy brass featuring James Rhodes’ trumpet and a rocking soul groove that is reminiscent of early Chicago Transit Authority, featuring some searing guitar work by Todd Elsliger.
Dreamy reeds are fluffy on “Reflection” and the team hits like a heavyweight on “The Blob” with warm and cozy horns gliding over the upbeat pulse of “Georgie and Rose.” A good collection of scores for a good score of years producing music.