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Mike Longo's New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble: Oasis
One such standard bearer, pianist Mike Longo, leads his seventeen-piece New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble on their third CD, Oasis. Working with four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, guitar, bass, drums, piano, and guest vocals on originals and standards, Longo may not reinvent big band music, but he rejuvenates it with contemporary touches and trim, unpredictable arrangements that spark enthusiastic performances.
A trio of Longo compositions opens the set, establishing the tone with tightly woven ensemble playing and surprise sonic elements, such as Matt Snyder's bass clarinet solo and trombonist Sam Burtis' nod to Monk on "Bag of Bones." With taut arrangements clocking in under eight minutes, there's not a parade of soloists on each piece; instead, the few soloists make their points quickly and succinctly, enlivening the tunes and avoiding repetition. Bassist Santi Debriano puts his melodious stamp on the episodic "Chanson," while tenor saxophonist Frank Perowsky punctuates the measured blues of "Mike's Lament" and the briskly paced "Infusion," with its advanced harmonic schemes.
Other modernist influences are displayed in "The Godfather," inspired by the legendary James Brown and featuring a dynamic turn by guitarist Adam Rafferty. Even classic standards are refreshed, using clever rhythmic variationsa salsa beat for "Alone Together" and a bossa nova groove on "The Night We Called It a Day," also boasting Hilary Gardner's breezy vocals for additional sheen.
The results on Oasis are satisfyingly listenable, offering the classic big band sound without staid clichés and leaden chart readings.
Track Listing
1. Bag of Bones (5:43) 2. Chanson (6:25) 3. Mike's Lament (4:57) 4. Love Walked In (1:50) 5. Alone Together (6:18) 6. Infusion (5:29) 7. The Godfather (6:21) 8. Lazy Afternoon (7:17) 9. Covenant City (4:20) 10. Nocturnal Sea Voyage (7:33) 11. The Night We Called It a Day (6:21) 12. No More Blues (5:10) 13. Song of My Dream (for Duke) (5:54)
Personnel
Mike Longo
pianoMike Longo--piano, Adam Rafferty--guitar, Santi Debriano--bass, Darryll Pellegrini--drums, Bob Magnuson--alto sax, Lee Greene--alto sax, Frank Perowsky--tenor sax, Gerry Neiwood--tenor sax, Matt Snyder--baritone sax, Clarire Daly--baritone sax, Gary Guzio--trumpet, Joe Magnarelli--trumpet, Nubate Isles--trumpet, Freddie Hendrix--trumpet, Waldron Ricks--trumpet, Seneca Black--trumpet, Bob Suttman--trombone, Sam Burtis--trombone, Eric Goletz--trombone, Jonathan Greenberg--trombone, Curtis Fowlkes--trombone, Don Mikkelsen--trombone, Special Guest: Hilary Gardner--vocals
Album information
Title: Oasis | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: CAP
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