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Vanessa Perica Orchestra: The Eye is the First Circle
ByAgain, each of the album's seven numbers was written and arranged by Perica. And again, she has shown that she deserves to be in the front ranks among contemporary big-band composers. While it certainly helps to have an orchestra as proficient as this one, Perica makes the most of their talents with charts that test every section's alertness and ability to adapt no matter what the mood or tempo. In that respect, she is firmly aligned with the great big-band masters on whose shoulders she stands: Ellington, Strayhorn, Holman, Nestico, Mulligan, Wilkins, Rugolo, Brookmeyer, Paich, Oliver Nelson, Shorty Rogers and so many otherswithout sounding a great deal like any of them.
The opening title song sets the tone for what is to follow, with brass and reeds producing a persuasive prologue for alto saxophonist Carl Mackey and drummer Ben VanderWal . The tempobut not the intensityslows on "What a Time to Be Alive," whose admirable soloists are trumpeter Mat Jodrell and pianist Andrea Keller. Tenor Jamie Oehlers is showcased on the richly textured "Hill of Grace" (with Keller dazzling in support), alto Julien Wilson on "Meet Me at Phoenix Street," a shimmering ballad into whose pinnacle he pours lavish emotion.
Swing takes center stage on "Song for Cleo," with Vanderwal and his section mates (Keller, guitarist Theo Carbo, bassist Sam Anning) preparing the runway for alto Tessie Overmyer andafter a pleasing downshift in tempo trombonist Thomas Voss. "Still We Rise" is a lustrous anthem, underlined by Keller's tasteful piano, an earnest solo from trombonist Jordan Murray and several impressive passages spotlighting the ensemble. The temperate "Love and War," featuring trumpeter Paul Williamson, rings down the curtain on a splendid sophomore outing by Pericawho continues to impressand her talented Jazz Orchestra.
Track Listing
The Eye is the First Circle; What a Time to Be Alive; Hill of Grace; Meet Me at Phoenix Street; Song for Cleo; Still We Rise; Love and War.
Personnel
Vanessa Perica
composer / conductorCarl Mackey
saxophone, altoTessie Overmyer
saxophone, altoJulien Wilson
saxophone, tenorJamie Oehlers
saxophone, tenorTim Stocker
saxophone, baritoneMat Jodrell
trumpetDaniel Beasy
trumpetPaddy McMullin
trumpetPaul Williamson
trumpetJordan Murray
tromboneNick Mulder
tromboneThomas Voss
tromboneJoe O'Callaghan
trombone, bassAndrea Keller
pianoTheo Carbo
guitarSam Anning
bassBen VanderWal
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Carl Mackey: soprano saxophone (tracks 1, 6); Wendy Clarke: flute (track 6); Julien Wilson: clarinet (track 6).
Album information
Title: The Eye is the First Circle | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Vanessa Perica
Instrument: Composer / conductor
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