Home » Jazz Articles » Maria Schneider: Allegresse

Maria Schneider: Allegresse

By Glenn Astarita
October 1, 2000
Sign in to view read count

Few would debate composer/arranger and big band leader, Maria Schneider's significance to the world of jazz. A true stylist who possesses a gifted ear, an equally impressive pen and a penchant for extracting the very best out of her band mates, Schneider has three recordings to her credit which includes this highly anticipated new release, titled Allegresse.

In the liners, Schneider states..."For this recording I wanted to create music that conveys beauty." An accurate statement indeed as the overall production encompasses luminous, poetic themes and expressive horn charts. These characteristics become noticeably evident from the onset of the album's opener, "Hang Gliding." Here, the orchestral arrangement evokes imagery of a tiptoe waltz amid climactic developments and mild tempered choruses whereas, the title track combines linear motifs with arched lines atop velvety statements by trumpeter Ingrid Jensen who also performs on flugelhorn.

Schneider also exhibits an acute capacity for integrating space and depth into her arrangements which comes to the forefront on the twenty-minute opus "Dissolutio," as underlying melodies generate stark emotion, humble sentiment and fiery proclamations. The album's closer, "Sea Of Tranquility," boasts a breezy understated arrangement counterbalanced by baritone saxophonist Scott Robinson's soul induced lines.

Basically, Schneider triumphs as a purveyor of beauty, through song, along with a deeply personalized and seemingly unyielding commitment to her craft. Allegresse is the complete package and should be deemed essential listening for ardent fans of orchestral/big band music or jazz lovers alike.

Track Listing

Hang Gliding; Nocturne; Allegresse; Dissolution; Journey Home; Sea Of Tranquility.

Personnel

Maria Schneider: composer, conductor; Tim Ries: saxes, clarinet, flutes; Charles Pillow: saxes, clarinet, flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn; Rich Perry: tenor sax, flute; Rick Margitza: saxes, flute; Scott Robinson: saxes, clarinets, flutes; Tony Kadleck: trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn; Greg Gisbert: trumpet, flugelhorn; Laurie Frink: trumpet; flugelhorn; Ingrid Jensen: trumpet, flugelhorn; Dave Ballou': trumpet, flugelhorn; Keith O' Quinn: trombone; Rock Ciccarone: trombone; Larry Farrell: trombone; George Flynn: bass trombone, tuba; Ben Monder: guitars; Frank Kimbrough: piano; Tony Scherr: basses; Tim Horner: drums; Jeff Ballard: percussion.

Album information

Title: Allegresse | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Enja Records

Post a comment about this album

FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.