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University of Toronto 12TET: Rebirth
ByThat's not to say the 12TET isn't proficient, as director Terry Promane, a splendid musician in his own right, wouldn't have it any other way. But the other four newly minted compositions, including Promane's "The Shadow Knows," are by and large less than spellbinding, even though each has its individual moments of substance and charm. "The Shadow," whose urbane framework enfolds a laid-back tenor solo by Landen Vieira, precedes pianist Noam Lemish's unassuming "Rebirth" and trombonist Michael Brooker's even-tempered "BO" (on which he solos with alto Matt Woroshyl and bassist Jeff Deegan). The venerable standard "September in the Rain" is a showpiece for vocalist Laura Swankey who sings earnestly but otherwise fails to entice one's ear in spite of a superb chart that kindles memories of Canadian colossus Rob McConnell. The finale, saxophonist Donny McCaslin's free-spirited "Claire," is likeable enough, its emphatic rhythms and punchy brass underscoring compatible solos by Ben Hognestad (on electric piano) and Vieira. Hognestad and Vieira are polished ad-libbers, as are Woroshyl, Lemish, Deegan, guitarist Alexei Orechin and vibraphonist Bryan Gilmartin.
Even though the material could be stronger, Rebirth furnishes clear evidence that the university's Jazz Studies program is on an upward curve, coming as it does on the heels of the UT Ten O'Clock Orchestra's superb album, Reflections, under its new director, Gordon Foote. With that in mind, a second endeavor by the 12TET would by no means be unwelcome.
Track Listing
Contemporary Insanity; The Shadow Knows; Rebirth; BO; September in the Rain; Claire.
Personnel
Terry Promane: director; Tara Kannangara: trumpet, flugelhorn; Emily Denison: trumpet, flugelhorn; Matt Woroshyl: alto, soprano sax; Landen Vieira: tenor sax; Kaan Gunesberk: tenor sax; Michael Brooker: trombone; Eric Porter: trombone; Bryan Gilmartin: vibraphone; Alexei Orechin: guitar; Ben Hognestad: piano, Wurlitzer electric piano; Noam Lemish: piano; Jeff Deegan: acoustic, electric bass; Evan Cartwright: drums; Laura Swankey: vocal (5).
Album information
Title: Rebirth | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Uoft Jazz