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David White Jazz Orchestra: Flashpoint
ByWith Ellington being the bandleader White most admires, his rendition of the icon's standard is infused with a toe-tapping tempo, inspiring, as he states, a "certain...animation and playfulness" into the arrangement resulting in a lively outcome. The lovely slow ballad of "Eyes Closed," features the bandleader on a soft trombone solo, with pianist Nick Console and tenor saxophonist Sam Dillon also weighing in with respective lines. The full measure of the band comes into play on "Love in a Blue Time" providing brassy accompaniment to a solid alto solo from Andrew Gould on one of the outstanding big band charts of the set.
"Secrets" comes alive with a mighty sound from the horns in a powerful introduction to an essentially gentle piece highlighting a wonderful solo performance from the trombonist. After graduation from college, White taught public school in the Bronx and penned " I Have a Bad Feeling About This," a truly swinging affair perhaps providing flashpoint memories and his apprehension of that situation. White's "I'll See You in Court" takes some interesting turns, from flashy to bluesy and from mellow to muscular in texture.
The last two selections are dedications to family, with "First Lullaby" written for the trombonist's son Gabriel, while the finale, "Mister Shepherd's Blues," is a tribute to the memory of his grandfather, closing the set in bluesy fashion. For this debut, White successfully cultivates a swinging and mellow sound, featuring dynamic solo performances from a quality group of players. The fine orchestrations, entertaining charts and a distinctive sound are hallmarks of Flashpointall in keeping with the tradition of contemporary big band music.
Track Listing
David Danced Before the Lord With All His Might; Eyes Closed; Love in a Blue Time; First Light; Secrets;I Have a Bad Feeling About This; Pandora; I'll See You in Court; First Lullaby; Mister Shepherd's Blues.
Personnel
David White
composer / conductorDavid White: composer, arranger, conductor, trombone; Andrew Gould: alto saxophone; Omar Daniels: alto saxophone; Sam Taylor: tenor saxophone; Sam Dillon: tenor saxophone; Stephen Plekan: baritone saxophone; Miki Hirose: trumpet; Volker Goetze: trumpet, flugelhorn; Alicia Rau: trumpet; Michael Irwin: trumpet, flugelhorn; Melissa Gardiner: trombone; Rick Parker: trombone; Barry Cooper: trombone; Robert Statel: bass trombone; Nick Consol: piano; Doug Drewes: bass; Paul Francis: drums.
Album information
Title: Flashpoint | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About David White
Instrument: Composer / conductor
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