Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra: The Nutcracker Remix

For those who assumed that Duke Ellington may have had the last word when it came to jazz interpretations of Peter Tchaikovsky's memorable Nutcracker Suite, welcome to The Nutcracker Remix, a sharp and stunning new portrayal of Tchaikovsky's enduring work by the stellar Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.

This is Tchaikovsky for the 21st century, saluting and appreciating the Ellington orchestra's legacy and using that as a stepping- stone on which to create a fresh and exhilarating narration of one of the world's most renowned and beloved classical masterworks. As The Nutcracker is best known and most often performed as a ballet, several dances are involved including Russian, Arabian, Chinese and "Toot Toot Toot-Tutti" (Dance of the Reed Flutes) in addition to the more widely known "Pistachio March" (March of the Toy Soldiers), "Sugar Rush" (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) and "Everybody Digs Flowers" (Waltz of the Flowers).

The CCJO enters where Ellington exited, using a number of well-honed weapons from its powerful arsenal to update and reshape the music, as well as its formidable storehouse of big-band expertise and precision to breathe new life into Tchaikovsky's timeless compositions. Arranging duties are shared by CCJO music director and conductor Eric Lechliter (five numbers) and trombonist Dominic Marino (four). Lechliter also arranged vocalist Mandy Gaines' trio of seasonal numbers, which are performed at the close of the nine-movement suite.

Lechliter sets a swinging compass with the awesome and tempo-shifting "Overture" wherein the orchestra's various sections display their singular prowess as the ground moves beneath them. Not to be outdone, Marino leans hard into "The Pistachio March," employing a groovy and enchanting tempo to underpin an alluring solo by flugelhornist Ralph DiSylvestro that leads to a delightful coda. Marino's powerful arrangement of "Sugar Rush" (blistering solo courtesy of tenor saxophonist Garin Webb) is next up, followed by his colorful treatment of the "Waltz of the Flowers," showcasing the CCJO's astute reed section and sharp work by brass and rhythm to preface an exquisite solo (and abrupt farewell) by pianist Matt Harris.

Lechliter returns to score the lyrical "Caipiroska" (Russian Dance), setting it in an upbeat groove that suits perfectly the improvisational talents of Granger, guitarist Brad Myers and soprano Jeremy Long before unleashing the ensemble for yet another brisk and thunderous end run. Baritone Phil Hilger helps introduce the exotic "Camel Capery" (Russian Dance) and solos ardently in midstream before the ensemble lends its able hand to usher it out, after which Lechliter escorts the orchestra (fueled by sousaphonist Josh Omaits) on a trip to New Orleans for a wholesome dish of "General Tso's Gumbo" (Chinese Dance) with tasteful solos by Myers on banjo, trombonist Marc Fields and trumpeter John Zappa, carried out in classic Crescent City style by the adaptable CCJO.

"Gumbo" leads to the suite's last movements, the lush and fragrant "Pine Forest" and nimbly strutting "Toot Toot Toot-Tutti" (Dance of the Reed Flutes; and no, the ghost of Al Jolson isn't summoned). The trumpet section toot-toot-toots its collective horn here while the CCJO's attentive and hard-working rhythm section (Harris, Myers, bassist Aaron Jacobs , drummer Jim Leslie) stokes the fire and mans the ramparts, as it does with brio and commitment on every track.

Gaines' three numbers are Vince Guaraldi's familiar "Christmas Time Is Here," Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore's "Merry Christmas Baby" and her own composition, "Christmas This Year." She sings them with ease, in a pleasing mid-range voice that adapts well to the several changes in mood and tempo she is required to master. The orchestra, as always, is sharp and supportive, helping to ensure that the bonus tracks are more than a belated afterthought.

Having said that, the Nutcracker Remix is the album's raison d'etre and thus the rationale for its consideration. While other orchestras will no doubt pursue this inspiring goal (as several already have), they will have to be spit-shined and almost near-flawless to match what the CCJO has done here, as this is truly a Nutcracker Remix for the ages.

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