The University of Central Oklahoma: Jazz Ensembles I and II, 1991-2000

After a brief introduction, Disc 1 opens with David Gibson’s blistering arrangement of Juan Tizol’s durable “Caravan,” one of three numbers from the ’91 Wichita Fest (the others, Pat Metheny’s “First Circle” and Rob McConnell’s “Start with Mrs. Beanheart,” are included on Disc 2). Trumpeter Joel Mott and trombonist Eric Leonard are featured on Billy Strayhorn’s poignant “Lush Life” (a Phil Wilson chart from ’93), trumpeter Phillip Lassiter on John Daversa’s sensuous “Bare Your Soul” (’99), guitarist Garrett Jacobson on the Joe Davis arrangement of Ray Charles’ “Drownin’ in My Own Tears” (2000).

The centerpiece is Rick Lawn’s enterprising “Seeds” (from ’97), a kaleidoscopic tone poem enhanced by a chorale, underlined by Andy Brooks’ marimba and Stoney Goldstein’s muted trumpet, and driven by drummer David Bowen. Rounding out Disc 1 are Quincy Jones’ Basie-style “Muttnik” from ’96 (solos by trumpeter Chad McLennan, trombonist Zac Lee, pianist Nicole Weber) and Dave Weckl’s lively “Festival de Ritmo” from 2000, arranged by Clyde Conner to accommodate solos by pianist Mathew Henry, alto saxophonist Paul Brodt and drummer Justin Walke.

Disc 2 is no less dynamic, embodying in addition to “First Circle” and “Mrs. Beanheart” Bob Brookmeyer’s blustery “American Express” (from 2000); two lesser-known crowd-pleasers by Duke Ellington, “Braggin’ n Brass” (’98) and “22 Cent Stomp” (2000); a second version of “Lush Life” (’96), arranged Kenton-style by featured trombonist Zac Lee; Billy May’s playful treatment of the trad favorite “South Rampart Street Parade” (’95) and Dave Pietro’s soulful “Quiessence,” recorded not in Wichita but at the UCO Ballroom in 2000 and featuring Pietro’s resilient alto sax.

Pianist Jay Minor is showcased on the picturesque “First Circle,” tenor Gary Clardy with Lee on “Lush Life,” trumpeters McLennan and Lassiter on “Braggin’ n Brass,” tenor Brian Gorrell and piccolo player Steve Friel on “South Rampart Street Parade.” Elsewhere, there’s ample blowing room for alto Brodt, tenor Idit Schner, pianist Henry and drummer Walke (“American Express”), pianist Jacobson, bassist Joe Guilliam, drummer Mike Alexander, (muted) trombonist Jacob Staggs, tenor T.J. Fletcher and trumpeter Lorne Lee (“22 Cent Stomp”), trombonist Leonard, tenor Gorrell, guitarist Curtis Nunley, bassist Larry Moore and drummer Eddie Crim (the mercurial ”Mrs. Beanheart”).

Well over a hundred young musicians took part in one or more of these eight sessions, and each of them deserves applause for a job well done. This is a marvelous introduction to yet another of the country’s many superlative Jazz Studies programs.

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