The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra: Transplants (2009)

Edward Blanco

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2005

Ed has been a jazz fan for 35 years and hosts a jazz radio program at WDNA 88.9 FM.

Recent articles (380 total)

Published: September 15, 2009

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra: Transplants

Veteran jazz guitarist Russ Spiegel has always had an affinity for big band music, from his days of performing with the European-based Landes Jugend Jazz Orchester Hessen, The Bill Warfield Bill Warfield
Big Band, and his own Russ Spiegel Big Band, comprised of top German and international musicians. He continues his love affair of progressive ensemble music on the debut recording by The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra, Transplants, with big band arrangements of six originals and three covers, and featuring some of the finest players from New York.

Spiegel provides all of the arrangements, including fresh treatments of Ray Noble Ray Noble
1903 - 1978
composer/conductor 's "The Very Thought of You," Duke Ellington Duke Ellington
1899 - 1974
piano 's oft-recorded "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart" and Paul Weston Paul Weston
b.1912 's "I Should Care." The twenty-piece orchestra makes an immediate impression, opening up with a burst from the brass on the fiery Spiegel original "Count Up," featuring tasty solos from saxophonist Tim Armacost Tim Armacost
b.1962
saxophone , drummer Owen Howard Owen Howard

drums , and of course, a light touch from the guitarist. Guest vocalist Michael Camacho does the honors on "The Very Thought of You" and "I Should Care," where trumpeter Sharif Kales and saxophonist Craig Yaremko Craig Yaremko
b.1978
saxophone provide the solos. Camacho is heard one more time on the funky and spicy "Chain Reaction."

With an introduction from flautist Arun Luthra Arun Luthra

saxophone , the meat of "Kangaroo" is gently taken over by Spiegel with some beautiful chords, before turning it over to pianist Rachel Eckroth Rachel Eckroth
b.1976
piano , who then hands it back to Luthra, this time on soprano, polishing off one of the album's standout pieces. The band roars mightily on the big band arrangement of "Number One," another display of power playing from the group. An unselfish performer, Spiegel makes sure that many members of the band have their chance to display their appreciable skill with plenty of solo space throughout the album. This is clearly the case as trumpeter David Smith David Smith

trumpet plays a pronounced role on the nine-minute "Undertow," blowing down the house with his performance.

Smith tees off once again, this time on the feisty rendition of "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart," with accompaniment from saxophonist Dan Pratt Dan Pratt

saxophone . Starting and ending with a little free style play, "The Rub," is a hard-driving number featuring the drummer's handy work along with crisp guitar riffs from Spiegel and embraced by supportive background play from the entire band. Ending with "I Should Care," Spiegel's orchestra completes a marvelous command performance that lovers of progressive big band music will savor. Containing sparkling new material, innovative arrangements and excellent musicianship, Russ Spiegel's Transplants clearly delivers on many fronts and deserves an unquestioned nod of approval.

Track Listing: Count Up; The Very Thought of You; Kangaroo; Number One; Chain Reaction; Undertow; I Let A Song Go Out of My Heart; The Rub; I Should Care.

Personnel: Russ Spiegel: guitar; Arun Luthra: saxophones,flute; Craig Yaremko: saxophones, flute; Tim Armacost: saxophones, flute; Dan Pratt: saxophones, flute; Frank Basile: saxophones, flute; Colin Brigstocke: trumpet, flugelhorn; Sharif Kales: trumpet, flugelhorn; David Smith: trumpet, flugelhorn; Charles Porter: trumpet, flugelhorn; James Smith: trumpet, flugelhorn; Michael Boscarino: trombone; John Yao: trombone; Jack Davis: trombone; Darrell Hendricks: trombone; Rachel Eckroth: piano; Yoshi Waki: bass; Owen Howard: drums; Todd Isler: percussions; Jack Davis: percussions; Michael Camacho: vocals (2, 5, 9).

Record Label: RuzzTone Music
Style: Big Band