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The University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble: Self-Contained
by Jack Bowers
Miles Osland, clever wordsmith that he is, knows that Self-Contained has several meanings, only some of which apply to this new album by his spit-shined University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble. One of those meanings, according to Webster, is “formal and reserved in manner,” which the music therein definitely is not. Another is “sufficient in itself,” which it assuredly is. As usual, the UK ensemble is called upon to perform an extensive assortment of music from ballads, blues and burners to ...
read moreThe University of Kentucky Small Chamber Jazz Ensembles: Profound . . . Like Gumbo!
by Jack Bowers
Saxophone quartets are an acquired taste, as is chamber Jazz," and I must confess I'm not quite there yet. Having said that, I must express my admiration for the talents of the University of Kentucky's Mega-Sax Quartet (David Balfour, Rudy Brannon, Lindon Kanakanui, Joe Carucci) and the other chamber ensembles represented on Profound . . . Like Gumbo!, some recorded in concert, others in the UK studios. Miles Osland, the school's director of Jazz Studies (and soloist on tracks 6 ...
read moreUniversity Of Kentucky Small Chamber Jazz Ensembles: Profound
by Jim Santella
Jazz education has made long strides in the past twenty-five years. Today, schools such as the University of Kentucky can take great pride in what they've accomplished through the efforts of a few. As the Director of Jazz Studies for UK's School of Music, Miles Osland has seen to it that his university's jazz ensembles remain top-notch year after year. Founded in 1989, UK's Mega-Sax Quartet has won awards and represented the school quite well, consistently. This, their latest album, ...
read moreUniversity Of Kentucky Mega-Sax Ensemble: Stinkin' Up The Place
by Jim Santella
This follow-up to the Mega-Sax Sea Breeze recording We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Rhythm Section features creative improvised solo and ensemble work from the younger generation. Miles Osland, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Kentucky, turns out a motivated group of improvisers year after year. Bryan Murray wails and moans on alto through Send in the New Boy," and soars confidently with a familiar melody on Invitation." He’s backed with powerhouse rhythms by the ...
read moreUniversity of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble: Dialogues
by Jim Santella
Directed by saxophonist Miles Osland, the University of Kentucky’s Jazz Ensemble performs a varied program of big band arrangements. The leader performs Gary Foster’s Latin ballad Tesoro" on alto sax with subtle accompaniment from his charges. They work together well as a team and Osland demonstrates that he is a superb artist. He performs Take Me Out to the Ball Game" by multi-tracking baritone, tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones himself with the band accompanying. While the ensemble performs its duties ...
read moreUniversity of Kentucky Mega-Sax Quartet: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Rhythm Section!
by Jack Bowers
The Mega–Sax Quartet employs no rhythm section, but does use percussion on Mike Mower’s “Folly” and Paquito D’Rivera’s “ Monk–Tuno,” and — I loathe being the one to have to say this — would benefit enormously from the presence of a rhythm section, stinkin’ or otherwise. As an exercise in saxophone virtuosity, these concert/studio dates from 1995 succeed on every level. As a recording I’d care to hear more often than was absolutely necessary . . . well, that’s another ...
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