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Metropolitan Gospel Big Band: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

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Metropolitan Gospel Big Band: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
On the debut recording of the Metropolitan Gospel Big Band (led by saxophonist Duke Guillaume, the ensemble presents a collection of Gospel numbers arranged for big band format. The disc opens with "Nothing But The Blood," an up-tempo number that serves as introduction to the group and also features some individual improvised moments from the brass section. The tune is followed by "He's Everything To Me," a more straight-ahead tune featuring a fluid tenor sax solo.

Among the highlights is "Lord I Lift Your Name Up High," a Latin-tinged tune that highlights a different side of the band, highlighting Ted Cruz's piano and Olusegun Ajayi's percussion, which are the principal backing for the saxophone and trombone solos. The traditional hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" receives a bluesy treatment led by the saxophones and a cleverly arranged rhythm section.

Also notable are "Someday," another straight-ahead tune played with the full ensemble (with arrangement by the bandleader) that swings hard from the start, and also "He Is Exalted," an African-themed tune that has an almost cinematic feel thanks the initial crescendo the ends with a chorus and a saxophone solo from the bandleader. In the background Aleune Faye's Djembe is heard giving accents to the drums, and that is topped with accomplished solo from Cruz, who takes the tune to a completely different direction.

The album closes with "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus," a gorgeous ballad led by Guilaume's tenor in which the band is augmented by overdubbed strings to great effect. This is a disc that comes with many pleasant sonic surprises.

Track Listing

Nothing But The Blood;He's Everything To Me; Leaning On The Everlasting Arms; Lord I Lift Your Name On High; Just A Closer Walk; That Old Rugged Cross; Someday; He Is Exalted; I Have Decided To Follow Jesus

Personnel

Duke Guillaume: tenor & soprano sax; Audrey Welber: alto sax;Travis Sulivan: alto sax; Wayne Escofery: tenor sax;Gerald Thomas: Tenor sax; Jason Marshal: baritone sax; James Smith: trumpet; Igmar Thomas: trumpet Gil Defay{ trumpet; Vitaly Golovnev: trumpet; Ryan Resky: trumpet; David Russell: trombone; Raymond Campos:bass trombone; Alex Jeun: trombone; Kurt Francisco: trombone; Kenny Grohowski: drums;Ted Cruz: piano; Jim Robertson:bass; Johnathan Woodby: Hammond B3 Organ;Kofo Wonder: talking drum; Liadi Bello: talking drum; Aleune Faye: Djembe; Olusegun Ajayi: conga; Kathleen Thomas: violin; Tanya Murphy: violin; Ashley M Vines: viola; Maura Dwyer: cello

Album information

Title: Leaning On The Everlasting Arms | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Self Produced

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