The South Florida Jazz Orchestra: Trumpet Summit

Following its self-titled South Florida Jazz Orchestra (MAMA Records, 2008) debut, this Miami-based big band now presents a power-infused second effort. The highly anticipated Trumpet Summit showcases several wonderful jazz trumpeters. Renowned bassist, and founder and director of the band, Chuck Bergeron was inspired to feature sounds of the trumpet after remembering all of the great trumpeters that have performed with the band over the last several years.

Bergeron calls on a host of trumpeters including: Grammy Award winner, Brian Lynch; California music icon and Grammy nominee, Wayne Bergeron; former member of the Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, and Frank Tiberi bands; and the highly respected Greg Gisbert. They all lead the way in a collective effort that blows down the house. Trumpet Summit brings together eight trumpeters backed by fifteen other players. In addition, guest vocalist, Nicole Yarling, lends her special vocal talents on "Everything I've Got Belongs To You."

Arranged here by Bergeron, the immortal Clifford Brown's "Daahoud" was the driving force that gave birth to this concept album as Bergeron states, "Let's get all the great trumpet players who have come through the band over the last five years together, and see what happens on a Clifford Brown classic." This brassy opener launches the first salvo and sets the stage for the rest of the music, featuring solos from trumpeters Jason Carder, Alex Norris and Gisbert. Emerging New York pianist, Martin Bejerano, leads the band on the spicy Latinized version of Bergeron's "Read My Lips." On this, one of the liveliest shoulder-moving charts of the set, Carder shares the limelight with saxophonist great Ed Calle, and percussionists Raymer Olalde and Roberto Quintero .

Inspired by the leader's two-year old son, "Blues for the Terrible Two's" features the team of Lynch and Carder, who blend hard bop and New Orleans styles that change direction, leading to Bergeron's high-pitched finale. The orchestra takes center stage on Lynch's hard-driving "Peer Pressure," where the trumpeter crackles as the band gyrates behind him, with stellar support from pianist, Brian Murphy, and trombonist, Dante Luciani. Saxophonist, Gary Lindsay, delivers a couple of superb arrangements with Duke Ellington's well-travelled "Sophisticated Lady," and Jerome Kern's "All the Things You Are" which are made to sound almost new here. Lynch's "One for Mogie" delivers eleven minutes of pure big band pleasure—a testament to his talents as a writer and, perhaps, the set's most ambitious chart.

Channeling the collective power of the South Florida Jazz Orchestra, Bergeron paints a masterpiece recording on a canvas of crisp horns, elegant arrangements and exceptional musicianship. Trumpet Summit captures a refreshingly entertaining session of polished artistry, from a superb selection of seasoned trumpeters, and a world-class ensemble.

Comments