The Jim Cifelli New York Nonet

The Jim Cifelli New York Nonet: Tunnel Vision

by Jim Santella
February 2, 2003

Arranging for nonet is a lot like arranging for big band. You’ve got all the elements, but you miss out on the doubling. Instead of power and some anonymous hard blowing, you get a balanced approach that swings lightly and caresses each melody. Jim Cifelli’s nonet arrangements are patterned after those of big band leaders Gil Evans, Thad Jones and Oliver Nelson. Every voice matters. The keenly crafted charts allow you to understand what the alto flute is doing while ...

The Jim Cifelli New York Nonet: Tunnel Vision

by Dan McClenaghan
January 23, 2003

Is it just me, or is there a lot of energy out there right now in the mid-sized ensemble mode?Last year Dave Holland put a thirteen piece “big band" together for another sure award winner, What Goes Around ; and Either Orchestra, a ten man unit, offered up the marvelous Latin-flavored Afro-Cubism. And now 2003 opens with The Jim Cifelli New York Nonet's grooving mainstream affair, Tunnel Vision.

This is a tight working band; I ...

The Jim Cifelli New York Nonet: So You Say

by Jim Santella
February 1, 2000

Highly recommended, Jim Cifelli’s hard bop nonet session condenses big band charts for fewer performers while maintaining a big band sound and enthusiasm. Each member of his nonet has considerable big band experience. Collectively, their tours of duty include work with Maria Schneider, Maynard Ferguson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Jack Sheldon’s big band, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, and Maiden Voyage. Three members of Cifelli’s nonet are composers: four pieces were written by the leader, one is ...