Doug Richards Orchestra: Through a Sonic Prism

If the title of the Doug Richards Orchestra's new album, Through a Sonic Prism, seems a bit esoteric, its subtitle—"The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim"—should help set the mind at ease. This is undeniably beautiful music, handsomely arranged by Richards and flawlessly performed by his eighteen-member Virginia-based ensemble and vocalist Laura Ann Singh, whose seductive voice enhances ten of the album's fourteen numbers—most of which were recorded during the pandemic.

Some of the songs are familiar—indeed, at least four have earned the status of jazz standards—while others may be lesser-known but are no less pleasing, especially when so tastefully scored by Richards and brightly embellished by Singh, who is heard on six of the album's first seven numbers and four thereafter. An exception early on is a clever reading of "Samba de Uma Nota So," on which every member of the orchestra is given a four-bar solo. Singh is the vocalist on a trio of Jobim's more celebrated themes: "Chega de Saudade," "Insensatez" and "A Felicidade," each of which shines anew thanks to Richards' luminous charts.

Tenor saxophonist J.C. Kuhl, one of the ensemble's brigade of resourceful soloists, is featured on "Insensatez" and with trombonist Bryan Hooten (who makes good use of multiphonics) on "A Felicidade." Trumpeter John D'Earth is showcased on the penultimate number, "Meditacao" (Meditation) and with pianist Daniel Clarke on the even-tempered ballad "Ligia," as are trombonists Hooten and Pete Anderson (with Singh) on the lively "Samba de Aviao." Other soloists of note include soprano John Wittman, baritone Rick Rieger, clarinetist John Winn and guitarist Adam Larrabee. Larrabee, D'earth, flugel Taylor Barnett and drummer Jones share blowing space on the unflappable finale, "Retrato em Branco e Preto."

Singh (and Rieger) raise the curtain in a groovy mode with "Chovendo na Roseira," which leads to the pensive "E Preciso Dizer Adeus" and frisky "Una Nota." Singh then returns to brighten the lyrical "Falando de Amor," "Chega de Saudade," "Insensatez" and "A Felicidade" before the orchestra takes center stage on "Ligia" and "O Grande Amor." "Sabia," a sensuous ballad on which Singh returns, precedes "Samba de Aviao"and the (next-to) last of her vocals, on the soft-spoken "Se Todos Fossem Iguala a Voce." D'earth is suitably eloquent on the easygoing "Meditacao," followed by "Retrato em Branco a Preto," which Singh closes with a down-to-the-wire vocal.

Richards, who founded the Jazz Studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1980, also formed and was music director of the Great American Music Ensemble (GAME), which presented an annual concert series from 1990-97 at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre in Washington, DC. Many of his students have become professional musicians with orchestras including Count Basie, Ray Charles, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Village Vanguard Orchestra, as well as with smaller groups led by Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Abby Lincoln, Chick Corea, Cyrus Chestnut, Dave Holland, the Brecker brothers and many others.

As for Richards, he has eased comfortably into his role as VCU professor emeritus while continuing to write charts as fresh and creative as those on Through a Sonic Prism, which sets a high bar for anyone whose purpose may be to follow in his footsteps.

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