One of the most innovative and unique groups to appear on the Canadian jazz scene in recent years, the Andy Ballantyne Large Ensemble announces the release of their debut CD “The Sum of the Parts". Featuring eleven of Canada's finest musicians under the direction of noted saxophonist and composer Andy Ballantyne, this unique ensemble combines the rich palette of a big band with the spontaneity of a small group. There's an abundance of variety on the seven originals and three arrangements that make up the recording, with musical influences ranging from Aaron Copeland to Charles Mingus to Ornette Coleman to the Beatles. Truly music for the jazz omnivore. Finely crafted on every level, “The Sum of the Parts" features a warm, natural recorded sound which captures the feel of the classic jazz albums of the 1960's.
A.B.L.E. is:
Andy Ballantyne, Tara Davidson, Kelly Jefferson, Peter Lutek: reeds
Jason Logue, Kevn Turcotte: trumpet
William Carn, Rob Somerville: trombones
David Braid: piano Michael McClennan: bass Daniel Barnes: drums
“Reedman/composer Andy Ballantyne has found plenty to work with deploying his A-list troops on The Sum of the Parts (Indie). He's written seven of the ten pieces here, and has made charts of substance for a group with four saxophones, two trumpets and two trombones, balanced by the thriving rhythm section of pianist David Braid, bassist Mike McClennan and drummer Daniel Barnes. Together they pull off the tricky feat of balancing improvisation with composition. Everyone solos, eight of them on the fascinating opener “American Portrait," and the ensemble creates unusually rich blends throughout from the leader's crafted structures. Tracks to note include “Spin," a pulsating “The Big Dance," a flavourful “The Fifth Beatle" with trombonist William Carn and saxophonist Kelly Jefferson starring, and a laid-back “The Phone Don't Ring Jack" featuring growling trombone work from Rob Somerville. The boss saves Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now" for himself and Braid, and it's delightful."
Geoff Chapman, Coda Magazine, March/April 2008
A.B.L.E. is:
Andy Ballantyne, Tara Davidson, Kelly Jefferson, Peter Lutek: reeds
Jason Logue, Kevn Turcotte: trumpet
William Carn, Rob Somerville: trombones
David Braid: piano Michael McClennan: bass Daniel Barnes: drums
“Reedman/composer Andy Ballantyne has found plenty to work with deploying his A-list troops on The Sum of the Parts (Indie). He's written seven of the ten pieces here, and has made charts of substance for a group with four saxophones, two trumpets and two trombones, balanced by the thriving rhythm section of pianist David Braid, bassist Mike McClennan and drummer Daniel Barnes. Together they pull off the tricky feat of balancing improvisation with composition. Everyone solos, eight of them on the fascinating opener “American Portrait," and the ensemble creates unusually rich blends throughout from the leader's crafted structures. Tracks to note include “Spin," a pulsating “The Big Dance," a flavourful “The Fifth Beatle" with trombonist William Carn and saxophonist Kelly Jefferson starring, and a laid-back “The Phone Don't Ring Jack" featuring growling trombone work from Rob Somerville. The boss saves Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now" for himself and Braid, and it's delightful."
Geoff Chapman, Coda Magazine, March/April 2008
For more information contact All About Jazz.
