The Vinny Golia Large Ensemble: Oakland 1999

A passion for him is his Large Ensemble work. Recorded live at Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA, the 26-piece ensemble is not so much a big band as it is an improvising orchestra. Golia’s passion for Western European classical music is evident in the broad vistas and dense compositions presented. His, dare I say, chamber music is less than a swinging affair. It is packed and layered by waves of emotional sound. Soloist step to the fore, working and reworking the concept of the piece. Solos by the talented Rob Blakeslee (flugelhorn) and Steve Adams (alto saxophone) come to mind. They drive and are driven by the percussionists and the power of the ensemble. This music lies somewhere between classical and jazz, noted and improvised, chamber and orchestra music. Like prior Large Ensemble recordings, this was probably the only performance of Golia’s music. Cost factors and time restrictions on the musicians make traveling and performing this repertoire impractical. These recordings document a noble and poetic endeavor.

Track List:(Disc One) No One had Ever Waved To A Lifeless Object Before; Thread For Fred; Something Heard; The Evasion Of Chaos-Part Two; Bot; The Evasion Of Chaos-Part One; (Disc Two) Japur; Push The Machine; The Village Of Forgotten Men-Part One; The Village Of Forgotten Men-Part Two; RIP; Master Of The Playing Cards.

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