Jon Gordon: Stranger Than Fiction

Saxophonist Jon Gordon's superb 13th release as a leader, Stranger Than Fiction, consists of 10 cinematic and captivating originals. Gordon leads a large ensemble of mostly Canadian musicians through his vibrantly textured compositions. The focus is more on dynamic interplay of different band members and orchestral segments than on individual expressions. There are, however, brilliantly virtuosic soloists who seamlessly emerge out of these vividly ebullient works making them even more electrifyingly alive.

Opening with delightfully dissonant staccato woodwinds and brass, "Pointillism" sets the tense ambience which permeates the entire recording. Gordon takes a brief and fiery solo while the rhythm trio's restless cadence percolates in the background. Similarly dramatic is the mellifluous "Havens" which is made up of the band's collective refrains that ebb and flow like sea waves. In addition to Gordon, pianist Will Bonness takes center stage with a thrilling agile extemporization, replete with Western Classical hints.

On the title track Bonness cedes his chair to guest pianist Orrin Evans. The lyrical melody that the orchestra plays creates the perfect backdrop for Evan's inventive improvisation which is built out of eloquent and angular phrases. Tenor saxophonist Reginald Lewis blows with cool swagger while guitarist Jocelyn Gould contributes a fluid and muscular performance shimmering with resonant tones. Bassist Julian Bradford and drummer Fabio Ragnelli engage in an elegantly reserved duet before ushering in the concluding head.

Another guitarist, Larry Roy contributes a soulful and erudite soliloquy on the intricate "Counterpoints." The main theme here unfurls over sparse rhythmic vamps. The horns and woodwinds exchange crisp and mellifluous fragments that grow and expand as the tune progresses. Out of this sonic tapestry emerges Gordon's inspired and intelligent spontaneous song. Meanwhile bass clarinetist John Ellis embellishes the piece's core motif with intriguing lines.

With Stranger Than Fiction Gordon has created a uniquely remarkable album that showcases his superlative skills as an altoist, bandleader and composer. Much like a film director he sublimely organizes the different parts and roles for maximum effect. The result is a cohesive and engrossing record that not only stands out as his best to date but is also one that leads to new and satisfying discoveries with repeated spins.