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The Empire Jazz Orchestra: Out of the Mist
ByVega springs into action immediately, soloing sharply on Pearson's handsome arrangement of Corea's "Tones for Jones Bones," and is heard to good effect later on Morgan's lyrical charmer "The Joker" (arranged by Rob Lussier) and O'Farrill's arrangement of the enchanting standard "Tenderly" (complete with ardent Latin midsection). Two more venerable standards, "Old Devil Moon" and "Makin' Whoopee" (both neatly scored by Jim Corigliano, who also wrote the well-grooved "Walkin' the Dog") are capably sung by Colleen Pratt. Alto saxophonist Keith Pray authored the agile "Blues for P.G." (Paul Gonsalves), arranged Coltrane's zestful "Giant Steps" and is showcased on Wilkins' "Geller's Cellar," a sunny theme that has undergone a number of name changes (for Lanny Morgan, it was "Morgan's Organ"; for Glenn Kostur, "Glenn's Den," and so on).
Trumpeter Steve Lambert, tenor Brian Patneaude and drummer Bob Halek shine on "Giant Steps," Patneaude and fellow tenor Kevin Barcomb on "Blues for P.G." Patneaude and Lambert are front and center again on Richards' "Out of the Mist," Corigliano (clarinet) and pianist Cliff Brucker on "Robbins' Nest," guitarist Mike Novakowski and trumpeter Jon Bronk on "Walkin' the Dog." Soloists are admirable, the rhythm section (anchored by Halek) unflappable, the ensemble as a whole sagacious and self-assured. An agreeable hour of high-caliber big-band jazz.
Track Listing
Tones for Joan’s Bones; Geller’s Cellar; Out of the Mist; Strayhorn; The Joker; Old Devil Moon; Tenderly; Walkin’ the Dog; Giant Steps; Robbins’ Nest; Makin’ Whoopee; Blues for P.G.
Personnel
William Meckley: music director; Jon Bronk: trumpet; Scott Thompson: trumpet; Terry Gordon: trumpet; Peter Bellino: trumpet; Steve Lambert: trumpet; Keith Pray: alto, soprano sax, flute, clarinet; Jim Corigliano: alto sax, flute, clarinet; Kevin Barcomb: tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet; Brian Patneaude: tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet; Brett Wery: baritone sax, clarinet, bass clarinet; Ben O’Shea: trombone; Garry Barrow: trombone; Ken DeRagon: trombone; Dan Cordell: bass trombone, tuba; Meghan Barrow: horn; Susan Wheeler: horn; Mike Novakowski: guitar; Cliff Brucker: piano; Otto Gardner: bass; Bob Halek: drums; Mark Foster: percussion; Colleen Pratt: vocals. Special guest soloist – Ray Vega: trumpet (1, 5, 7).
Album information
Title: Out of the Mist | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced