Howard University Jazz Ensemble: HUJE 2015

In 1975, Howard University, a bulwark of higher education in our nation's capital since 1867, formed its first Jazz Ensemble and named a young trumpeter / educator, Fred Irby III, as director. One year later, Irby ushered the ensemble into a recording studio to verify its prowess, a tradition that has continued uninterrupted for forty years. Irby remains at the helm today, and HUJE 2015 is the latest in an ever-expanding catalogue of impressive albums produced by the university's flagship ensemble.

Weighing technical aspects first, it's clear from the outset that the present edition of the ensemble is a worthy successor to those that have gone before. Section work is impeccable, solos persuasive, the understanding of harmony, rhythm and dynamics unequivocal. As for the music, it consists of ten compositions written by musicians, three or four of which could be deemed jazz standards. Irby throws no softballs, and his team steps up to the plate with enthusiasm and assurance, starting with Ron Horton's sunny arrangement of Donald Brown's emphatic "Theme for Malcolm" (zestful solo courtesy of tenor saxophonist Kenneth Nunn).

Charles Mingus is next, with pianist Joseph Wilson introducing (and soloing with trumpeter Joseph Teachey on) the bassist's "Orange Was the Color of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk." Joe Wright's chart is superb, and there's no letdown in the orchestrations that follow including three more by Horton: Sonny Rollins' well-named "Valse Hot," Ornette Coleman's mournful "Lonely Woman" and an especially engaging treatment of (Howard alum) Benny Golson's lyrical "Stablemates." Scott Silbert arranged Mal Waldron's seductive "Soul Eyes" and Mike Stern's funky "Blues for AL," while Mike Crotty scored Ivan Lins' entrancing "Love Dance" and Rob Lussier did the same for Joe Sample's valiant "Freedom Sound." The lustrous finale, Lou Marini's "Starmaker," marks the lone arrangement by a member of the ensemble, trumpeter Alexander Parchment, who solos smartly with vibraphonist Brittany Jiles.

It has been a truly remarkable forty years for Irby and the ensemble, with performances around the world, ample honors and a roster of notable alumni that includes trumpeters Wallace Roney and Chris Royal, saxophonists Greg Osby and Tim Warfield, trombonists Gregory Royal and Steven Baxter, pianist Geri Allen and drummers Winard Harper, Keith Killgo, Cora Coleman and Jonathan Laine, among others. Would it be asking too much to request another forty?