New Talent Jazz Orchestra: The Sound Of New York Jazz Underground

The music is divided into one CD of new and original material and a second featuring fresh arrangements of standards and previously recorded works. The musical ideas are as vast as the composers and musicians themselves—from the smooth flow of Jason Linder's "A Meditation on Two Chords,"? with sultry vocals by Claudia Acuña, to the carnivalesque atmosphere of Frank Carlberg's "Heaven,"? with a theme centered around a poem by Robert Creeley. At various points the recording has a chameleon-like effect that changes to fit each composer's vision—sometimes poignant, hard-swinging, hip, or quirky; yet always interesting.

The orchestra is in top form and brings each composition to fruition with powerful and intuitive musicianship, both collectively and individually. The "Arrangements"? disc is even more stirring as lush horns and tight rhythms surround pieces like Pablo Ablanedo's version of "Me Voy Quedondo"? and innovative interpretations of selections by George Gershwin, Wayne Shorter, Ahmad Jamal, and Maurice Ravel. The unique closing arrangement of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps"? could nicely sum up a small glimpse of New York's jazz underground by remembering the past but always looking forward—which is exactly what the record label is all about.

The companion DVD is the frosting on this cake, offering short clips and comments by the composers, artists and a few of the many people who worked diligently behind the scenes in creating this project.

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