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The University of Toronto 12tet: Trillium Falls
ByThe album's five original compositions are enfolded among more familiar themes by Cy Coleman / Carolyn Leigh ("Witchcraft"), Billy Strayhorn ("Isfahan") and Duke Ellington ("Star Crossed Lovers"). Promane wrote and arranged the title song and "The Icemaker's Mistress" and scored "Witchcraft," while drummer Mike Rajna arranged Jim Cowherd's "Crooked Creek," bassist Alex Lakusta brings out the best in "Isfahan" and "Star Crossed Lovers," and alto Emily Denison does the same for Nils Berg's breezy "Hat Music." Pianist Noam Lemish replaces incumbent Jacob Thompson on his own composition, the sensuous "Song for Lia," whose soloists are alto Anthony Argatoff and guitarist Dan Pitt.
While the over-arching temperament is one of composure, the ensemble ramps up the heat on "Witchcraft" (introduced by Rajna's emphatic drum solo), the chorale-like "Icemaker's Mistress" and toe-tapping "Hat Music." Soloists are in all cases respectable, enhancing every number with earnest ad-libbing. Pitt, Denison, Thompson and Argatoff have their admirable moments, as do trumpeter Brad Eaton, trombonist Modibo Keita, bassist Lakusta and tenors Keiran Murphy and Harrison Argatoff. A well-designed and well-performed album whose many pleasures should gladden any ardent listener.
Track Listing
Crooked Creek; Witchcraft; Song for Lia; Isfahan; The Icemaker’s Mistress; Star Crossed Lovers; Trillium Falls; Hat Music.
Personnel
Terry Promane
tromboneTerry Promane: director, composer, arranger; Emily Denison: trumpet, flugelhorn; Brad Eaton: trumpet, flugelhorn; Anthony Argatoff: alto sax; Harrison Argatoff: tenor sax; Kieran Murphy: tenor sax; Modibo Keita: trombone; Zach Smith: trombone; Dan Pitt: guitar; Jacob Thompson: piano (1, 2, 4-8); Noam Lemish: piano (3); Alex Lakusta: bass; Mike Rajna: drums; Jacqueline Teh: vocals.
Album information
Title: Trillium Falls | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Self Produced
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