Billy Childs and the Temple University Studio Orchestra: Labyrinth

One of Los Angeles’ greatest treasures, Billy Childs, takes a trip to Philadelphia where his big band compositional and arranging skills are put to good use. The Temple University Studio Orchestra, conducted by Jose Luis Deominguez, is supplemented by ringers Terell Stafford/tp, Dick Oatts/as, Tim Warfield/ts, Bruce Barth/p, Mike Boone/b and Justin Faulkner on this three song collection . Childs’ “Labyrinth” is filled with elegiac horns hinting at Gil Evans, with Stafford soloing brilliantly as the band goes into a rich climax. Banks Sapnar’s “Re Braid” includes anthem like moments with Oatts’ alto and Barth’s piano keeping the post bop charts in an intuitive tone. Finally, Bill Cunliffe’s “Rainforests” has a wonderful tropical feel with marimbas and exotic harmonies, and Stafford digs in deep while Oatts and Warfield make most of their moments in the spotlight with  expressive solos. As rich and filling as  something from Pat’s Steak House.

www.boyer.temple.edu

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