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Justin Mullens: Justin Mullens & The Delphian Jazz Orchestra
ByNotwithstanding the elements of a large jazz ensemble, this is not your typical recording as each of the ten compositions are layered with highly composed horn arrangements, varying tempo changes, and music influences ranging from Ellington, Stravinsky, to Frank Zappa. The complexity of the music easily competes with commissioned works of chamber orchestras, with detailed instrumental sections and heady musicianship.
The musicians in the DJO perform with abundant skill as each instrument gives birth to the written material. This is fully realized on the three part opus "Beowulf" with a cinematic-like theme filled with rich instrument sections, changing moods, and deep solo spots from Mullens and various musicians. Other branches of the music include the addition of operatic vocals on the "Trifler," which oddly works within the context of the music.
The quick changing patterns within each selection keeps things interesting but is also one of the challenges as various themes quickly appear then suddenly vanish. Just when a groove gets good, it changes; yet clearly the music is not geared towards melody alone but also highlighting the deep writing skills of Justin Mullens and the performance of his unique orchestra.
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
Justin Mullens
french hornChris 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
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About Justin Mullens
Instrument: French horn
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