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Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra: The Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra
ByThat's one down, sixteen to go. Well, two down, actually, as singer Kurt Elling, a two-time Grammy Award winner, certainly needs no introduction to knowledgeable jazz fans. Fedchock is showcased on Feifke's brash and colorful "Scenes from My Dreams," Elling on "Sassy" (a full-throated, rap-like salute to Sarah Vaughan) and Sting's ardent "Until." A fast-rising star, guest tenor saxophonist Chad LB, starts the ball rolling (after Feifke's sparkling intro) on the pianist's impetuous "I Got Algorithm," leading to heated exchanges with fellow tenor Tom Luer and a vigorous solo by trumpeter Mike Rodriguez. "Sassy" is next, followed by Joe Henderson's powerful "Inner Urge" (solos by alto Alexa Tarantino, baritone Lauren Sevian and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr.) and "Until."
Watson, the orchestra's lead trumpet, sets the melodic compass on the ballad "Remember Me," while guitarist Will Brahm adds an ardent solo. Hugh Masakela's "Dollar's Moods," inspired by pianist Dollar Brand (a.k.a. Abdullah Ibrahim), is an infectious swinger featuring superb work by the sax section and spirited solos by Feifke and guest trumpeter Sean Jones, while Horace Silver's well-traveled "Nica's Dream" shines brightly behind crisp statements by Watson, Feifke and Owens. That sets the stage for the album's dazzling finale, Feifke's fast-moving "Blues in a Second," wherein the entire trumpet section (Watson, Rodriguez, Tanya Darby, Danny Jonokuchi, guest Jones) slams one out of the park.
Regardless of any age discrepancy within its ranks, the GGJO is a truly remarkable ensemble, and its debut album (the hope is that many more will follow) is sharp and radiant from start to finish. As to listeners, may they never be too youngor too oldto appreciate high-caliber jazz that swings as hard and as often as this.
Track Listing
I’ve Got Algorithm; Sassy; Inner Urge; Until; Scenes from My Dreams; Remember Me; Dollar’s Moods; Nica’s Dream; Blues in a Second.
Personnel
Steven Feifke
pianoBijon Watson
trumpetChad LB
saxophone, tenorKurt Elling
vocalsSean Jones
trumpetTanya Darby
trumpetMike Rodriguez
trumpetDanny Jonokuchi
trumpetAlexa Tarantino
saxophone, altoChristopher McBride
saxophone, altoThomas Luer
saxophone, tenorRoxy Coss
saxophone, tenorLauren Sevian
saxophone, baritoneJohn Fedchock
tromboneJavier Nero
tromboneKalia Vandever
tromboneJennifer Wharton
trombone, bassWill Brahm
guitarDan Chmielinski
bassUlysses Owens, Jr.
drumsAlbum information
Title: The Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Cellar Records
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