Record Reviews

UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ YOU GOT MY WIFE, BUT I GOT YOUR DOG ATS 0822 (Barcode: 9005216008223) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2014 This is an album by the veteran Austrian Jazz Big Band called The Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which documents the cooperation between the orchestra and the American trumpeter / composer / arranger Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist. Since the orchestra was founded in 1991 it regularly invites resident artists and over the years these included some of the most prominent names in contemporary Jazz. This album was recorded live during the band´s tour with this project and presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Walrath, one is a previously unrecorded Charles MingusFind albums by this artist composition and the remaining one was composed by Jed LevyFind albums by this artist. All the music was arranged by Walrath especially for the orchestra. The orchestra, as usually, includes a four piece trumpet section, four piece trombone section, five piece reed section and a four piece rhythm section and is led by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist. Walrath plays a solo on each of the tracks, along other soloist of course. The music on this album is closer to the American Big Band music / sound than what the orchestra plays on any other of its recordings, which is hardly surprising under the circumstances. And yet Walrath skillfully left enough of the European identity of this wonderful Big Band, so stay close to its true character. As a result we get what can be possibly considered as the best of both worlds: the precision, tightness and swinging undertones of American Big Band music and the European finesse, sophistication and panache, working hand in hand. The individual and the orchestral performances are, as usual with the UAJO, brilliant from start to finish and again it is simply incredible how such precision, flow and meticulous execution of the multilayered music can be achieved live. But whatever the secret of the UAJO is, it works like a dream. Big Band recordings, especially those by European Big Bands / Orchestras are often full of an incredible amount of details, which needs repeated listening sessions in order to be discovered. This album is definitely one of such albums, which means one has to invest time in order to enjoy the full capacity of artistry this music has to offer. For Big Band / Orchestral Jazz music this album is an absolute must of course and one can only hope it will eventually land in as many good homes as possible. Therefore it is wholeheartedly recommended and my advise is to reach out and grab a copy ASAP – satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 30/04/2019Posted: 30/04/2019

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