Composer and arranger Mark Masters put together a big band for a pair of inspired projects, giving salute to a pair of under-appreciated jazz giants, namely Sam Rivers and Billy Harper.
The first album celebrates Sam Rivers’ would be 100th birthday by taking a collection of his compositions and bringing them forward in a big band format. Tenorist Harper is featured predominantly, but there is also room for Tim Hagans/tp, Jeff Colella/p, Nathan Kay/tp and a few others. Of course, there are a few frisky and free forming pieces like “Parts of Speech” and ”Paean”, but for the most part, the ideas are accessible and lyrical. Harper shines on the optimistic “Fuchsia Swing Song” and is glorious during “ Beatrice”. The reeds are truly Ellingtonian on “Ellipsis” and pretty on the easy bopper “Luminous Monolith”. This one’s a joy!
With an almost identical unit, Masters then takes his arrangement skills to Harper’s own compositions. Harper and trombonist Ido Meshulam get moody on “ Credence” while the master bops with saxist Kirsten Edkins on the cheerful “Insight”. Harper’s tone is absolutely stunning on his solo intro to the clarion on “Dance, Eternal Spirits, Dance!”, and swaggers with Hagan over Kendall Kay’s drums on the confident “Croquet Ballet”. Modern and timeless.