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Justin Mullens: Justin Mullens & The Delphian Jazz Orchestra
ByThe Delphian Jazz Orchestra boasts almost conventional instrumentation: four trumpets, three trombones, five reeds. But there's no piano; the guitar is the sole chordal instrument. And singer Judith Berkson often functions as an instrumentalist. They play entirely Mullens' compositions. Mullens himself says, "the music drastically morphs styles that fall anywhere from the influences of Ellington and Monk to Stravinsky and Frank Zappa." The compositions are thick with dissonance, unconventional in structure. They often contain multiple themes, with tempo or metric changes built in. Brilliantly executed by this working band, the music is complex, fascinating, even innovative. But at times it also sounds cold or clinical, at least to these ears.
The saving grace of this album lies in the solos. The leader plays bristling, restless trumpet throughout. Tenor saxophonist Dave Barraza and drummer Danny Weiss forge a heated duet on "The Icecream Man." And Chris Cheek, whose alto sax sound is crystalline, shines on "The Apple And The Box." And special mention should be made of the excellent rhythm section, particularly drummer Weiss, who consistently lights a fire under the band.
Make no mistake, the music on this album is exploratory, and certainly admirable. Justin Mullens has some worthy ideas regarding the future of the big band. I just wish this CD had reached my heart as powerfully as it grabbed my intellect.
Track Listing
1. Pietro the Gouty 2. Daphne Laureola 3. The Viking 4. Beowulf Part 1: "Grendel" 5. Beowulf Part 2: "The End for Hrunting" 6. Beowulf Part 3: "Wiglaf and the Dragon" 7. The Trifler 8. The Icecream Man 9. The Apple and the Box 10. A Set of Triggers
Personnel
Chris Cheek (alto sax); Ryan Shore (alto sax, clarinet, flute); Dave Barraza (tenor sax); Matt Glassmeyer (tenor sax, soprano sax); Matt Cowan (baritone sax); Larry Gillespie(trumpet, flugelhorn); Dave Smith (trumpet, flugelhorn); Erik Jekabson (trumpet, flugelhorn); Justin Mullens (trumpet, flugelhorn); Paul Olenick (trombone); Jacob Garchik (trombone); Max Seigel (bass trombone); Danny Weiss (drums); Masa Kamaguchi (bass); Peter Thompson (guitar); Judith Berkson (vocals)
Album information
Title: Justin Mullens & The Delphian Jazz Orchestra | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Fresh Sound New Talent