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University of Toronto 10 O'Clock Jazz Orchestra: Rivers
ByThat's only some of the good news on Rivers. The rest is that the UT Orchestra is invariably outstanding, as it was on its previous two-disc set, Off the Cuff (even though the personnel is almost entirely new); and director Paul Read has chosen exemplary material for the ensemble to perform, starting with Schneider's surprisingly persuasive charts and including a pair of splendid compositions by Jim McNeely ("Lickety Split, "305 ), Thad Jones' charming "Interloper, McConnell's stylish arrangement of Johnny Green/Ed Heyman's "Body and Soul, and last but not least, the smoothly undulating title selection, composed and arranged by one of Canada's brightest trumpeter stars, Mike Malone.
There's more scintillating news from the soloists, each of whom is awesome. Baritone Joseph Shabason is featured on "Lickety Split and "Willow, guitarist Kevin O'Donnell on "Body and Soul. Others who relish their chance to shine are pianist Chris Donnelly and trombonist James Mashinter ("Lately ); O'Donnell, trombonist Arjuna Satchithaninthan, and the "two Jareds," Greeve on flugel, Welsh on tenor ("Rivers ); tenor Trent Reschny and trumpeter Tristen Brown ("Allegresse ); alto Mark Laver and trombonist Steve McFarlane ("305 ); Donnelly and Reschny ("Interloper ); Welsh and soprano Alison Young ("Roses ). The rhythm section, superbly guided by drummer Colin Kingsmore and including O'Donnell, Donnelly and bassist Paul Clifford, is consistently impressive.
Another snazzy showcase for the UT Jazz Orchestra, enhanced by luminous sound and liberal playing time. And that says it all.
Track Listing
Lately; Rivers; Allegresse; Body and Soul; Lickety Split; 305; The Willow; Interloper; The Days of Wine and Roses (75:31).
Personnel
Paul Read: director; Nicole Rampersaud, Vincent Spilchuk, Tristen Brown, Jared Greeve, Dan Gooch: trumpet; Mark Laver, Alison Young: alto sax; Trent Reschny, Jared Welsh: tenor sax; Joseph Shabason: baritone sax; James Mashinter, Arjuna Satchithaninthan, Steve McFarlane, Joel Green: trombone; Scott MacInnes: bass trombone; Kevin O
Album information
Title: Rivers | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Arbordisc