Here’s an ambitious big band recording that gives Maria Schneider a run for the money of best orchestra. Composer and arranger Seulah Noh conducts a five sax, four trumpet, four trombone, four rhythm section along with an occasional string section and various guests on this opus of modernity.
The strings are featured on a three piece “Traveler’s Suite”, which includes woodwinds hovering around Alex Quinn’s trumpet in “Part I”, some contemplation during Michel Gerace’s trombone in “Part II” and bold panoramic effects surrounding Ian Buss’ tenor sax on “Part III”.
The charts a have segues within the segues, as on the up and down dynamics of the funky “Arrogant or Elegant” supplied by Benjamin Young’s funky bass. Hints of Gil Evans enchantment are dreamy for Song Yi Jeon’s ethereal voice and Nathan See’s alto sax on the full-bodied “L’iillusionniste” with Kan Yanabe’s percussion grooving under the floating impressions of vocalist Asthik Martirosyan on “Hear The Light”. Whew! When’s this band touring?