Directed and led by trumpeter Sean Jones, the debut album by Carnegie Hall’s NJO Big Band includes classy charts of vintage jazz classics and contemporary pieces by the likes of Miguel Zenon and John Beasley.
The sections are crisp, clear and bold as on the hard hitting “Mr. Jones and Co” featuring the leader in hip muted and open horn. There’s a tasty sax section to Duke Ellington’s “Mr. Gentle and Mr. Cool” while faculty member Wycliffe Gordon pulls out his trombone for a hip take of the title tune. Rising star on tenor sax Melissa Aldana is cool and outside on “Run With Jones” while “Oyelo” has her gliding through the fervent pulses. The sections punch and jab each other like boxers in training on “Transitions” with the rhythm section stepping out for a fun rabbit trail, while the reeds swirl around the bold cadence of “A Taste Of Honey”. Impressive opening salvo.