Jazz Articles

Cal State-Los Angeles Jazz Ensemble: A Minor Excursion

by Jack Bowers
November 1, 1998

This is the second recording I’ve heard by the Cal State–LA Jazz Ensemble (the third they’ve released), and I must confess that this one grabbed and held me from the first seductive measures of David Caffey’s bluesy “Minor Excursion” through the last lingering overtones of Thad Jones’ tongue–in–cheek shuffle, “Don’t Git Sassy.” Maria Schneider’s “Wyrgly,” which has become something of an anthem among college Jazz ensembles, is also on the savory menu along with Bob Brookmeyer’s fugue–like “Ding Dong Ding,” ...