Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jentsch Group Large: Brooklyn Suite

418

Jentsch Group Large: Brooklyn Suite

By

Sign in to view read count
Jentsch Group Large: Brooklyn Suite
A resurgence and appreciation of large ensemble jazz suites is on the rise, as witnessed in the acclaim attending recordings such as the Maria Schneider Orchestra's Grammy nominated Sky Blue(ArtistShare,2007). But while scores for larger collectives are not unusual, it is less common to find them centered on orchestra and guitar.

Enter Brooklyn Suite by guitarist/composer, Chris Jentsch, who helms just such a group, articulating his statement of "what my life sounds like" in Brooklyn, New York. With extensive work as a sideman, previous recordings that include Miami Suite (Blue Schist, 1999)and a number of grants and commissions, Jentsch is more than just a seasoned musician; he's a composer who can convey his ideas on a grand scale.

The nine movement suite is the quintessential framework for a modern big band, with thematic imprints of storytelling linking each piece to the next, like chapters in a book. And this book swings with the grace of Duke Ellington and rocks with the nuance of Frank Zappa.

A reoccurring theme is woven in the recording's fabric through meticulous horns arranged in interchanging sections. "Opening Shards" begins like the dawn—peacefully and introspectively. But like a developing day, "Outside Line," is energized with quickened tempo, swirling horns, and trombone and sax solos. The sculpture of this orchestration comes together as each instrument forms the final work.

Jentsch's charts are fully realized, and so is his performance. The guitar's warm, sustained, slightly overdriven tone adds texture and personality as he weaves in and out of each piece, and soars on "Closing Shards."

The final two pieces, "See You in Bali" and "Our Daily Dread" depart from the suite's main theme but are just as enjoyable. The former is a swinging number with a growling baritone sax solo; the later serves up some natty dread reggae, slowly stewed with wailing horns and a feel-good vibe—a fine conclusion to a satisfying work of music.

Track Listing

Opening Shards; Inside (Interlude); Outside Line; Going to Hail; Follow that Cab; Imagining the Mirror; Closing Shards; See You in Bali; Our Daily Dread.

Personnel

Chris Jentsch
guitar, electric

Chris Jentsch: guitar; John Mettam: drums; Jim Whitney: double bass; JC Standford: conductor; John Carlson: trumpet; Laurie Frink: trumpet; Jon Owens: trumpet; Russ Johnson trumpet; Brian Drye: trombone; Alan Ferber: trombone; Jacob Garchik: trombone; Kurtis Pivert: trombone; Ben Kono: reeds; Andy Laster: reeds; John O'Gallagher: reeds; Mike McGinnis; Dan Willis: reeds.

Album information

Title: Brooklyn Suite | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Fleur De Son

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.