Tolvan Big Band: Interacting

There's an ample supply of engaging music on Interacting, the fourteenth recording by Sweden's splendid Tolvan Big Band, all of it written and arranged by director and lead alto saxophonist Helge Albin. A shame there isn't more than thirty-two minutes worth.

Be that as it may, the music itself is by and large buoyant and swinging, with seamless interplay among the various sections and sharp solos by Albin ("Dancing Shoes," "Lightsome") and his colleagues. Trombonist Peter Dahlgren and pianist Artur Tuznik (or Tutznik; it is spelled both ways) add fluent statements on "Dancing Shoes," trumpeter Fredrik Davidsson on "Lightsome." Soprano Cennet Jonsson is showcased on "Interacting," trombonist Vincent Nilsson and tenor Inge Petersson on "Gumdrops." They offer no cause for complaint, nor does the stalwart rhythm section (Tuznik, bassist Patrik Albin, drummer Lennart Gruvstedt). Albin's compositional manner is clear, his colors vivid, with a propensity toward swinging; the TBB is well aware of that, and "interacts" accordingly.

Albin's charts, which, he writes, represent his way of "orchestrating different sections in the band and how they interact with each other," readily carry out that purpose while giving the listener plenty of admirable music to appreciate. It's hard to choose a best-in- show, as each number is well written and has its moments of brightness and allure. As noted, would that there had been a few more of them to appreciate.