Arthur White and Merge: Unify

A man of many hats, tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator Arthur White needed a sombrero gigante to both shade the bright southern California sunshine and to embrace the enormity of his latest big band project. Students, faculty and graduates from Cal Poly accounted for the largest portion of this thirty piece band, with faculty members from Cuesta College also on board. This bevy of youthful vitality was integrated with the experienced and multi-talented chops of Randy Brecker and Ada Rovatti, although anyone of any age would be hard pressed to surpass the energetic Rovatti when it comes to vitality. In addition to their own separate works, the famed husband and wife horn duo have recorded and played live together on many projects for nearly a quarter of a century now. Here they provide not only their musicianship, but also are responsible for six of the ten compositions.

Like a football team finding the right chemistry of veteran leadership and new found exuberance, Arthur White and Merge—the San Luis Obispo big band version—jelled from the opener, "First Tune of The Set." The Brecker composition busted out of the gate with a high stepping gait. Played with gusto by all, Brecker and Rovatti wasted no time digging into fiery solos that set the bar. The sizzling White arrangement was followed with another that sequenced a sprightly scat into the melodic swing of "Dirty Dogs." The Brecker written song featured a tight trombone solo by Brian Scarborough and concluded with crisp baritone sax licks from Dave Becker. A third Brecker penned entry, "Marble Sea," glided us through a comfortable and flavorful journey. Moderately paced, the Chris VanLeeuwen arrangement beautifully created space for Brecker and Rovatti to caress each note. Many married couples finish each other's sentences. Few with such improvisational bliss.

White, the director of jazz studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, had his hands full orchestrating and managing this project. He mostly let others shine. However, he poured his emotions into the George Stone written "(I Have) So Much To Tell You," his tenor gently but emphatically telling the story. The tune also set up the jump to funk. Yet another Brecker tune has him really feeling it over some catchy grooves, taking his horn out for a fun jaunt. Keyboards and alto sax get into "The Slag" and lead into a stunning composition from Rovatti. With a stirring arrangement by White, "Ghost Stories" is perhaps the highest peak of the record. Jeff Miley's electric guitar sets a tone, but it is Rovatti herself that electrifies with nuances that are both cunning and engaging. Brecker and White both join in with solos and interplay. A ten minute plus adventure in storytelling and improvisation that joyfully is all about the glide of the ride, not the destination. Perhaps one of those times that you wish the story would never end.

That's six of the ten tunes presented on Unify. Leaving something to the imagination, let's delve a little into one more. The lone White composition is a powerful and bold big horn offering called "Megan's Dance." Miley returns to spice it up on his electric guitar with some cool riffs. Once again though it is the innate note selections and grace from Rovatti's tenor that stands tall. Overall a top notch, well produced record. Mostly vivacious big band cuts with scats and vocals peppered in that add variety and some spice. It should be noted, as well, that all proceeds from this album will benefit the Cal Poly Jazz Studies Program.

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