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Jentsch Group Large: Brooklyn Suite
Brooklyn Suite is an ambitious work, impressive in its creativity. The influence of the orchestral writing of both Gil Evans and Maria Schneiderespecially her Sky Blue (ArtistShare, 2007)can be felt, and there are hints of Stan Kenton to be found as well.
While there are a number of musicians in this sixteen-piece orchestra who are bandleaders, composers and recording artists in their own rights, including trombonist Alan Ferber and reedmen Dan Willis and Andy Laster, Brooklyn Suite is not about soloists. Instead, it's similar to Schneider's project, although Sky Blue did have some beautiful solos, placed in perspective by Schneider's riveting arrangements.
Jentsch's orchestration is the star of this album, beginning gently and evolving into a mutating form of jazz expressionism. By the time it's reached the concluding "Our Daily Dread," an insistent rock beat is upfront, with Jentsch's reverb-drenched guitar making this certain to appeal to fans of jazz rock. When the horns are featured, including a growling trombone, the rock beat falls politely into the backdrop, but the composition's conclusion is a battle between Jentsch in full cry set against the jazz riffs of the orchestra.
With Brooklyn Suite, Jentsch has created a recording where there's something for everyone.
Track Listing
Opening Shards; Inside (Interlude); Outside Line; Going to Hail; Follow that Cab; Imagining the Mirror; Closing Shards; See You in Bali; Our Daily Dread.
Personnel
Chris Jentsch
guitar, electricChris Jentsch: guitar; John Mettam: drums; Jim Whitney: double bass; JC Standford: conductor; John Carlson: trumpet; Laurie Frink: trumpet; Jon Owens: trumpet; Russ Johnson trumpet; Brian Drye: trombone; Alan Ferber: trombone; Jacob Garchik: trombone; Kurtis Pivert: trombone; Ben Kono: reeds; Andy Laster: reeds; John O'Gallagher: reeds; Mike McGinnis; Dan Willis: reeds.
Album information
Title: Brooklyn Suite | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Fleur De Son
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About Chris Jentsch
Instrument: Guitar, electric
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