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New Standard Jazz Orchestra: Waltz About Nothing
BySeven of the album's eleven numbers were written by NSJO members, and they are admirable in every respect, as are the othersEllington / Strayhorn's "Star Crossed Lovers," Mike Plog's "Bu's Groove," Burt Bacharach's "Close to You" (arranged by Chris Madsen) and Miles Davis' "Milestones" (by Tom Garling). Baker composed the seductive "Waltz About Nothing" and "Samba for Someone," Garling "Metamorphosis," "This One's for Sturm" and "Sedentary Motion." Alto Madsen is showcased on his composition "Spring and Fall," tenor John Wojciechowski on his "Lexicon," fellow tenor Mark Colby on "Sturm." Partyka solos on "Samba for Someone" and "Sedentary Motion," Baker on "Samba" and "Waltz." Mention should also be made of Tom Matta's splendid charts, "Star Crossed Lovers" and "Bu's Groove" (on which trumpeter Marquis Hill and pianist Dan Murphy shine).
Other world-class improvisers who live up to the name are trombonists Garling and Tim Coffman, baritone Mark Hiebert and trumpeter BJ Cord. Murphy, bassist Tim Fox and drummer Todd Howell comprise the orchestra's hard-working rhythm section. Brass and reeds are sharp, assertive and tight as a drum, all the more impressive as Waltz About Nothing was recorded in a studio, without headphones or electronic enhancement, in a single day. As big bands continue to fade into the woodwork, it is comforting to know that Chicago remains home to one of the best, a forward-looking orchestra that gives rise to a new standard for those who follow.
Track Listing
Metamorphosis; Spring and Fall; Waltz About Nothing; This One’s for Sturm; Star Crossed Lovers; Samba for Someone; Lexicon; Bu’s Groove; Close to You; Sedentary Motion; Milestones.
Personnel
Ken Partyka
saxophoneKen Partyka: alto, soprano sax, flute, co-leader; Andy Baker: trombone, co-leader; Roger Ingram: trumpet; Chuck Parrish: trumpet; B.J. Cord: trumpet; Marquis Hill: trumpet; Chris Madsen: alto sax, flute; Mark Colby: tenor sax, clarinet; John Wojciechowski: tenor sax, clarinet; Mark Hiebert: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Steve Leinheiser: additional woodwinds; Tom Garling: trombone; Tim Coffman: trombone; John Blake: bass trombone; Dan Murphy: piano; Tim Fox: bass; Todd Howell: drums.
Album information
Title: Waltz About Nothing | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: OA2 Records