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Joe Sullivan Big Band: Northern Ontario Suite
ByWhile it is difficult for someone who doesn't live in that neighborhood to confirm that the suite has achieved its aim, what can be stated without reservation is that Sullivan's graphic themes stand well on their own and are well worth appraising. The first movement, "Ionosphere," which depicts Sullivan's impression of the northern lights, is a an aural delight, marred only by tenor Andre Leroux's protracted and over-the-top solo. Trumpeter Dave Mossing fares better, as does the veteran guitarist Lorne Lofsky who is later showcased on Movement 3, the lustrous, easygoing "Tiger Lily." Alto Remi Bolduc and trumpeter Jocelyn Couture share center stage on the bracing second movement, "May Run Boogaloo," trumpeter Aron Doyle (muted) and alto Donny Kennedy on the fourth, the well-named "Super City Shuffle."
Frechette strides confidently to the forefront with pianist Andre White on the even-tempered "Voices" before the suite closes with the mercurial "Abitibi Breeze," whose powerful solos are by tenor Al Mclean, bassist Alec Walkington and drummer Dave Laing. Sullivan takes the first (and his only) solo on the melodious opener, "Plus ca Change," preceding incisive statements by Laing and tenor David Bellemare, while Lofsky and trombonist Jean-Nicolas Trottier help brighten "Mambo #6" (which, Sullivan, writes, is "neither a real mambo, nor No. 6 of anything"). Sullivan and the band ring down the curtain with "Later Joe," a straight-on swinger with handsome solos by Leroux (relatively subdued here) and trombonist Dave Grott.
To bring his Northern Ontario Suite to life, Sullivan has employed a number of Canada's most accomplished musicians, who together make certain that every measure of his impressive work is given its due. The ensemble is solid, the soloists strong and resourceful, the music earnest and rewarding. In short, an altogether pleasing big-band session.
Track Listing
Plus ca Change; Mambo #6; Northern Ontario Suite (Ionosphere / May Run Boogaloo / Tiger Lily / Super City Shuffle / Voices / Abitibi Breeze); Later Joe.
Personnel
Joe Sullivan
trumpetJoe Sullivan: leader, trumpet; Jocelyn Couture: trumpet; Jocelyn LaPointe: trumpet; Aron Doyle: trumpet; Dave Mossing: trumpet; Donny Kennedy: alto sax; Remi Bolduc: alto sax; Andre Leroux: tenor sax; Al Mclean: tenor sax; David Bellemare: tenor sax (1); Jean Frechette: baritone sax; Anh Phung: flute (1); Dave Grott: trombone; Richard Gagnon: trombone; Jean-Nicolas Trottier: trombone; Bob Ellis: trombone; Lorne Lofsky: guitar; Andre White: piano; Alec Walkington: bass; Dave Laing: drums.
Album information
Title: Northern Ontario Suite | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Perry Lake Records