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The Composers' Orchestra Berlin: Holding Pattern
ByWhile there is ample polarity throughout, a palpable Deutsche aura pervades the enterprise, which is hardly surprising given the frame of reference and background of the composers, many of whom use the orchestra's every resourceincluding its five-member string sectionto underscore their purpose. The most conspicuous departure from the German-centered stance is the finale, Hazel Leach's brassy, polyrhythmic "Holding Pattern." Leach also wrote the assertive opener, "Do Not Go," and designs a marvelous flute solo on tenor saxophonist Tian Korthals' alluring "Der ungetantze Tango."
Even though there is at least one solo, and usually more than one, on every number, this is music whose ensemble passages clearly assume the leading role. In other words, it is the composers on whose artistry the album leans, and they seldom disappoint. The music on Holding Pattern is by and large agreeable and well-writtenwhile at the same time, it is elaborate and intense, requiring the listener's careful and unremitting attention. Besides Leach and Korthals, the composers are trombonist Anne Dau ("Jetzt, schon und noch"), pianists Heiko Kulemkampff ("Daught Abroad") and Fee Stracke ("Teetisch"), drummers Tom Dayan ("To Begin at the Beginning") and Augustin Strizzi ("Nunez"), guitarist Daniel Meyer ("Sacred Birds") and bassist Dirk Strakhof ("Maskenball").
Most of them solo, as do alto Ruth Schepers, trumpeters Aaron Schmidt-Wiegand and Achim Rothe, flugel Christoph Titz, trombonist Julian Gretschel, bass clarinetist Markus Busch (gold star for him), violinists Davis West and Daniel Friedrichs and tubaist Benjamin Konig. The ad libs are sharp and arise naturally from the ensemble sections. For those who relish big-band jazz with ample meat on its bones, Holding Pattern provides a sumptuous feast for the senses.
Track Listing
Do Not Go; Jetzt, schon und noch; Daught Abroad; Teetisch; Sacred Birds; Der ungetantzte Tango; To Begin at the Beginning; Nunez; Maskenball; Holding Pattern.
Personnel
The Composers' Orchestra Berlin
band / ensemble / orchestraTian Korthals
saxophone, tenorHazel Leach
composer / conductorAnne Dau
tromboneHeiko Kulemkampff
pianoFee Stracke
pianoTom Dayan
drumsAugustin Strizzi
drumsDaniel Meyer
guitarDirk Strakhof
bassRuth Schepers
saxophone, altoAaron Schmidt-Wiegand
trumpetAchim Rothe
trumpetChristoph Titz
flugelhornJulian Gretschel
tromboneMarkus Busch
clarinet, bassBenjamin Konig
tubaAdditional Instrumentation
Davis West, Daniel Friedrichs, Joana Carvalhas: violin; Natasha Jaffe, Frederico Malverde: cello.
Album information
Title: Holding Pattern | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: JazzHausMusik
Comments
About The Composers' Orchestra Berlin
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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