Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jim Knapp Orchestra: It's Not Business, It's Personal
Jim Knapp Orchestra: It's Not Business, It's Personal
ByKnapp was also known for his picturesque and radiant arrangements and unique orchestral voicings; It's Personal scores high in both quarters, with special credit for his ingenious use of woodwinds. There are times, as on "The Presence of Absence" or "Gray Skies," when the thought intrudes that this is what the Modern Jazz Quartet may have sounded like if it were an orchestraand others ("Forward Motion," "Nerds of Steel") wherein Knapp proves he could swing in the finest Woody Herman/Count Basie tradition, albeit with his own singular approach to melody, rhythm and counterpoint.
All eight of the album's songs were written and arranged by Knapp. Besides those already noted, they include the irrepressible opener, "Miami Vince," on which dazzling passages by flutes, trombones and rhythm lead to nimble solos by pianist John Hansen and soprano saxophonist Mark Taylor; the introspective, through-written "Afterthought," light-hearted "Kumasi" and inward-leaning "Modal Horizon." Taylor on alto, trumpeter Vern Sielert, trombonists Chris Stover and Jeff Hay, drummer Matt Jorgensen and flugel Brad Allison spread their wings on "Kumasi," Hansen and tenor saxophonist Steve Treseler on "Modal Horizon."
Flutes play a leading role on "The Presence of Absence" (solos by Taylor and Hansen), while rhythm and brass shine on "Kumasi" and Knapp ties it all together on "Modal Horizon," using the full range of sonic color to underscore its pensive theme. Thomas takes his lone solo (on flugelhorn) on "Nerds of Steel," as does French horn maestro Tom Varner, with crisp statements as well by Hay and Treseler. There is a wealth of musical talent in the greater Seattle area, and one cannot help but assume that Knapp enlisted a large share of the city's best and brightest to comprise his fourteen-member ensemble. That impression is certainly borne out by It's Personal, as the orchestra is nothing short of superioras are Knapp's superb compositions and arrangements. As legacies go, this is spot on, about as sharp and engaging as one could imagine.
Track Listing
Miami Vince; Afterthought; The Presence of Absence; Kumasi; Gray Skies; Forward Motion; Modal Horizon; Nerds of Steel.
Personnel
Jim Knapp
composer / conductorJim Knapp Orchestra
composer / conductorPaul Taub
fluteMark Taylor - Saxophone
saxophoneSteve Treseler
saxophoneStuart MacDonald
woodwindsJim Dejoie
woodwindsBrad Allison
trumpetVern Sielert
trumpetJay Thomas
multi-instrumentalistTom Varner
french hornJeff Hay
tromboneChris Stover
tromboneJohn Hansen
pianoJon Hamar
bass, acousticMatt Jorgensen
drumsAlbum information
Title: It's Not Business, It's Personal | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Origin Records
< Previous
Wadada Leo Smith: 80 Years Strong
Comments
About Jim Knapp
Instrument: Composer / conductor
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To