University Of Kentucky Mega-Sax Ensemble: Stinkin' Up The Place

Bob Mintzer’s "The Red Sea" places five saxophonists in the ring with piano, bass and drums. Through creative arranging, the ensemble develops a big band sound with a liberal number of solos. Osland adds a lovely flute solo. Later, on "Doe-Eyed" he and Bryan Murray provide warm saxophone features on alto and tenor respectively. "Invitation" is interpreted as a melodic big band gesture; this from an ensemble half that size with no brass. Jim McNeely’s "Shenanigans" is built carefully from a smooth and dramatic modern mainstream start to an "outside" finish. Murray’s "hot" tenor solo moves the unit along from a straight-ahead approach to creative improvised jazz. As long as our schools continue to provide an environment that encourages such free-flowing improvisation, the music will continue to grow.

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