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Alan Chan: Shrimp Tale
ByThat's as good a place as any to start, as "Shrimp Tale," an irresistible theme set to a saucy salsa beat, not only ushers in the high-flying trumpet of guest soloist Wayne Bergeron but affirms Chan's status as a world-class composer / arranger who employs effectively every voice at his disposal, from piccolo, flute, clarinet and banjo to spoken narration (Lauren Marks, "Monte Alban," "Solita") and even a children's chorus (Darla and Zane Driskill, "Rancho Calaveras"). Elsewhere, the mood ranges from light-hearted ("Tsu Zu Ku," which in Japanese means "to be continued") to emphatic ("Moving to a New Capital") and decisive ("Rene's Barcarolle"), each of which exemplifies Chan's inclusive perspective.
The picturesque "Monte Alban" and sunny "Solita" pay homage to poet / artist Elaine Cohen, whose verses, spoken by Marks, are nestled beneath the wide canopy of Chan's genial music, while the "children's chorus" serves to further energize the lively hoedown-leaning finale, "Rancho Calaveras," whose instrumental soloists are clarinetist Vince Trombetta, trumpeter Michael Stever and guitarist Andrew Synowiec (on banjo). Aside from that trio and Bergeron, articulate spokesmen who lend voice to the enterprise include saxophonists Kevin Garren, Jeff Driskill, Tom Luer and Ken Fisher, trombonists Paul Young and Andy Martin, pianist Andy Langham and drummer Jamey Tate. The ensemble, for its part, is letter-perfect, as one would expect from a squadron of southern California's most accomplished musicians.
Even though there are occasional glimpses of the Far East on Shrimp Tale, Chan never dwells there for more than a moment or two, preferring instead to focus his energy and compositional skills on time-honored American jazz. In doing so, he has produced an album that should gladden almost anyone's taste.
Track Listing
Tsu Zu Ku; Shrimp Tale; A Spirit’s Dream; Moving to a New Capital; Monte Alban; Solita; Rene’s Barcarolle; Rancho Calaveras.
Personnel
Alan Chan
composer / conductorAlan Chan: composer, arranger; Rob Schaer: trumpet; Rick Baptist: trumpet; Tony Bonsera: trumpet; Michael Stever: trumpet; Kevin Garren, Alex Budman, Tom Luer, Jeff Driskill (2, 3, 5), Vince Trombetta (1-4, 6-8), Ken Fisher: saxophones; Andy Martin: trombone (1-4, 6-8); Charlie Morillas: trombone; Dave Ryan: trombone (2, 3, 5); Paul Young: trombone; Steve Hughes: trombone; Andrew Synowiec: guitar, banjo; Andy Langham: piano; David Hughes: bass; Jamey Tate: drums; Lauren Marks: narrator (4, 5); Darla Driskill, Zane Driskill: children’s chorus (8). Special Guest — Wayne Bergeron: trumpet (2).
Album information
Title: Shrimp Tale | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Crown Heights Audio Network
Comments
About Alan Chan
Instrument: Composer / conductor
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