In the vast landscape of musical reinventions, few dare to juxtapose the realm of rock royalty with the intricate artistry of jazz. But the Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO), known for its innovative 'chamber jazz' brilliance, has undertaken such an endeavor with their album, The Bowie Project, released on January 16, 2023, on the Origin Records imprint.
The MJO's legacy, rooted in the golden age of the 1950s, is no stranger to ambitious projects. Their exquisite blend of big band resonance paired with the intimacy of a smaller ensemble has always pushed boundaries. Yet, this latest venture stands apart. With the revered vocalist Paul Marinaro—a name Scott Yanow of the LA Jazz Scene positions amongst the zenith of contemporary jazz singers—hey traverse the universe of David Bowie, a star whose luminance has seldom dimmed.
Songs like “Space Oddity" and “Changes" have found new life in this album, echoing the timeless sentiments of love, loss, and hope. Yet, the MJO's interpretation of “Let's Dance," devoid of its quintessential '80s aura, transforms into an elegant, swaying jazz piece, offering a glimmer of post- pandemic optimism. Tracks such as “Letter to Hermione" and “Conversation Piece," though lesser known, encapsulate the intimacy and depth Bowie often ventured into, made even more poignant with Marinaro's heartfelt renditions.
The genius behind this project is the daring choice of songs. Far from being a simple greatest hits compilation, it delves deeper, offering both the recognizable and the obscure. The vibrant ensemble play in tracks like “Space Oddity" replaces the guitars and strings of Bowie's original with sophisticated horn arrangements, illustrating the MJO's exceptional craftsmanship.
Fans are not just invited, but implored, to indulge in this musical odyssey, to witness how jazz and rock, past and present, MJO and Bowie, entwine in a dance of genres and eras.
The MJO's legacy, rooted in the golden age of the 1950s, is no stranger to ambitious projects. Their exquisite blend of big band resonance paired with the intimacy of a smaller ensemble has always pushed boundaries. Yet, this latest venture stands apart. With the revered vocalist Paul Marinaro—a name Scott Yanow of the LA Jazz Scene positions amongst the zenith of contemporary jazz singers—hey traverse the universe of David Bowie, a star whose luminance has seldom dimmed.
Songs like “Space Oddity" and “Changes" have found new life in this album, echoing the timeless sentiments of love, loss, and hope. Yet, the MJO's interpretation of “Let's Dance," devoid of its quintessential '80s aura, transforms into an elegant, swaying jazz piece, offering a glimmer of post- pandemic optimism. Tracks such as “Letter to Hermione" and “Conversation Piece," though lesser known, encapsulate the intimacy and depth Bowie often ventured into, made even more poignant with Marinaro's heartfelt renditions.
The genius behind this project is the daring choice of songs. Far from being a simple greatest hits compilation, it delves deeper, offering both the recognizable and the obscure. The vibrant ensemble play in tracks like “Space Oddity" replaces the guitars and strings of Bowie's original with sophisticated horn arrangements, illustrating the MJO's exceptional craftsmanship.
Fans are not just invited, but implored, to indulge in this musical odyssey, to witness how jazz and rock, past and present, MJO and Bowie, entwine in a dance of genres and eras.
