The Composers' Orchestra Berlin: Telling Stories

The Composers' Orchestra Berlin is precisely that: a 15-piece ensemble, now a battle-tested 16 years old, all of whose handsome compositions on its eighth recording, Telling Stories, were written and arranged by members of the orchestra or its conductor and music director, Hazel Leach.

The COB includes a small string section (two violins, viola, cello) that is more than mere window dressing, as it plays an important role on most numbers, as does the solitary 'trumpet section' (Amadeo Bonaiuto). While the orchestra's instrumental makeup is not what a casual observer might see as customary, these astute and ingenious composers manage to make the blueprint work to near perfection.

The lissome and colorful parade begins with tubist Benjamin Konig's happily twisting "Melocolon," introduced by bassist Dirk Strakhof, encompassing perceptive solos by trombonist Anne Dau and violinist Julia Czerniawska and continuing with guitarist Daniel Meyer's graceful "Pigeon Waltz" (solos by Bonaiuto and cellist Natasha Jaffe). Leach's melodic "Bob's 32" (inspired by a Bill Evans piano theme) is one of several highlights, gliding gently forward behind charming solos by Strakhof, Meyer, Bonaiuto, pianist Heiko Kulenkampff and drummer Finlay Panter, with superb interplay by winds and strings.

The ensemble puts its best foot forward to enrich Strakhof's rhythmically alluring "Limodore" (named for a black orchid), as do soloists Meyer and soprano saxophonist Tian Korthals. Panter's picturesque "Finallee" is calm and mellow, undergirding his admirable timekeeping and sharp solos by Kulenkampff, Czerniawska, baritone Markus Busch and Sebastian Peszko on cello, shifting into a higher gear for a crisp statement by Bonaiuto. Guitarist Meyer is showcased on alto Ruth Schepers' quirky and assertive"Dilemma," which leads to guitarist Benjamin Schneider's dark and sinuous "Ekmot," whose able soloists are Busch (on bass clarinet) and Schepers.

Kulenkampff wrote "Meet the Edaphon," whose spare melody, saucy rhythms and snug group interplay are tailor-made for the orchestra and soloists Korhals, Strakhof and Meyer; another clear highlight, as is Bonaiuto's intense "Diablo de Carnaval," which follows. Schepers (flute), Busch (bass clarinet) and Kulenkampff are the soloists there; Konig, Bonaiuto, Korhals and Peszko on the penultimate number, drummer Tom Dayan's powerful "Balta," whose bright and tantalizing rhythms elicit an unmistakable Israeli vibe. The session ends on a stylish note with Jaffe's panoramic "Rituals" (showcasing the string section), which builds toward a strong and elegant climax.

"The sources of inspiration for Telling Stories," Leach writes, "range from a rare orchid and the natural world to a broken washing machine and moving house; from personal memories and cultural traditions to global dynamics." Whatever the source, the perceptive and talented composers and musicians who comprise the Composers Orchestra Berlin make the most of it and place their unique and indelible stamp on every number.