Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Awakening Orchestra: Atticus Live!
Awakening Orchestra: Atticus Live!
ByGranted, some listenersperhaps even manymay be entranced by The Awakening Orchestra's mind-set; this is, after all, the twenty-first century. On the other hand, those who have not been introduced should know in advance what to expect from Saulnier, whose vantage point seems to be about as far removed from traditional big-band jazz as one could possibly travel. In his defense, it should be noted that Saulnier is far from amateurish; he clearly knows music and how to blend and codify the sections of an ensemble. This he does well. The end result, however, is by and large divorced from big-band jazz as most enthusiasts have come to know and appreciate it.
When Saulnier does forsake modernism for convention, as on the gossamer "Snowflake," he fares quite well. But then it is back to the hubbub on the aptly named "Turbulence Is Bliss" before Michael Macallister's guitar introduces the comparatively zephyr-like finale, "The Pasture (You Come Too)." More of that would have been most welcome, even though the swing quotient remains rather low. Not much happens during the album's opening five minutes, as Saulnier uses Green's guitar, rhythm, some ethereal effects and not much more on the gossamer "Looking Glass" and "Build!," leading to the more emotive but no less unimposing "Adventures of Dirt McGillicuddy." "Atticus," around which the concert is built, glides from Nadje Noordhuis' mellow unescorted flugel to a dirge-like theme underlined by Green's candid guitar. "The Robert Frost Experiment" is suitably probative, the easygoing "Quiet" a peaceful oasis amid the tumult. There are some solos along the way, by Green, Macallister, Noordhuis, trumpeter Jonathan Powell, alto Vito Chiavuzzo, tenor Samuel Ryder and trombonist Michael Boscarino, but they are by and large in step with Saulnier's uncommon perspective and as such earn no extra points for finesse or fluency.
While Atticus Live! may not have broad appeal among those to whom traditional big-band jazz is sacrosanct, Saulnier and The Awakening Orchestra clearly have another audience in mind. Those whose hearts, minds and ears are more attuned to the complexities of contemporary jazz will surely be pleased by what the album has to offer. True, it won't be to everyone's liking; but these days, aside from mom and apple pie, what is?
Track Listing
Looking Glass; Build!; The Adventures of Dirt McGillicuddy; Atticus; The Robert Frost Experiment; Quiet; Snowflake; Turbulence Is Bliss; The Pasture (You Come Too).
Personnel
Kyle Saulnier: conductor, arranger; Jesse Lewis: composer, guitar; Daniel Urness: trumpet; Seneca Black: trumpet; Nadje Noordhuis: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jonathan Powell: trumpet; Rob Mosher: alto sax; Vito Chiavuzzo: alto sax; Samuel Ryder: tenor sax; Andrew Gutauskas: tenor sax; Nick Biello: baritone sax; Michael Boscarino: trombone; Sam Burtis: trombone; James Rogers: trombone; Max Seigel: bass trombone; James Shipp: piano; Michael MacAllister: guitar; Aaron Kotler, Joshua Paris, Will Clark, Rich Stein: rhythm.
Album information
Title: Atticus Live! | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Biophilia Records