Record Reviews
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  | JULIAN ARGUELLES ~ MOMENTA
BASHO 29 (Barcode: 832929002922) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
This is a live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, recorded with the German HR Big BandFind albums by this artist, which he also conducts, and featuring British pianist Gwilym SimcockFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all of which are original compositions by Arguelles. All but one of the tracks last close to ten minutes in duration and feature Arguelles and Simcock as the main soloists.
The music is quite complex and strongly influenced by Classical Music approach and European Big Band aesthetics. The melodic themes are quite somber and reflective, and the music develops slowly, moving between orchestral and more Jazz oriented passages, which feature the soloist supported by the rhythm section. Some HR Big Band members are also given an opportunity to play solo parts, but Arguelles and Simcock are definitely at the center of attention.
Overall, this is an interesting recording, which shows the full power of the Jazz Big Band in action, and modern Big Band arrangements, splendidly performed by all the musicians involved. The HR Big Band, alongside the WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist and the SWR Big BandFind albums by this artist, make Germany the strongest European scene for Big Band Jazz music, and one can only hope that these splendid bands will manage to continue what that are doing since many decades. This is definitely an important album in the Arguelles recorded legacy and a strong evidence of his many talents.
| | Updated: 30/05/2025Posted: 30/05/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK FOSTER / SWR BIG BAND ~ A FRESH TASTE OF THAD JONES AND FRANK FOSTER
HANSSLER CLASSIC 4010276018582 (Barcode: 4010276018582) ~ USA ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 1994 - 1996 Released: 2006
This is a wonderful Jazz Big Band album by American saxophonist / flautist / composer / arranger / bandleader Frank FosterFind albums by this artist, recorded with the brilliant German SWR Big BandFind albums by this artist during his two residencies as guest conductor in 1994 and 1996. The album presents eleven tracks, seven of which are compositions by Foster and four are compositions by Thad JonesFind albums by this artist.
Foster succeeded Jones as the leader of the legendary Count Basie OrchestraFind albums by this artist in 1986 and continued to lead it until 1995, creating some of the definite late American Big Band sound. The album pays tribute to Jones and that Big Band tradition. Foster solos on most of the tracks and his warm sound is immediately recognizable. Of course the European musicians have no problem with tackling the material with ease and elegance.
One is of course immediately tempted to compare the sound on this album, and other albums by German Big Bands like the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist or HR Big BandFind albums by this artist, with their American counterparts. This album is particularly interesting due to the presence of American conductor and strictly American material, which are still unable the close the conceptual gap between European and American Big Band sound, which comes down to the difference between a collection of individuals as opposed of a one multi-headed body making music.
Overall, this is an interesting mixture of American and European Jazz Big Band, brilliantly played by everybody involved and featuring Foster as the main soloist and conductor. Lovers of the genre should have a field day with this, sadly little know album, which is definitely worth being discovered!
| | Updated: 18/01/2024Posted: 18/01/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | IVAN LINS ~ CORNUCOPIA
MOOSICUS 1205 (Barcode: 4017425120523) ~ BRAZIL ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is an album by Brazilian singer / songwriter Ivan LinsFind albums by this artist, recorded with the German SWR Big BandFind albums by this artist, conducted by Ralf SchmidFind albums by this artist, and several guest musicians. The album presents thirteen tracks, all songs composed by Lins and arranged for the Big Band by Schmid.
Lins is of course one of most important figures in contemporary Brazilian music and he write wonderful songs, all characterized by the local rhythms and lyrical tendencies, like Samba an Bossa Nova, which are always a pleasure to listen to. Combined with the Jazzy arrangements and the Big Band accompaniment, the music achieves a different type of its usual sonic environment.
Overall, this is a classic Jazz-World Fusion album, with a Jazz Big Band accents expending the sound and musical scope to a wider circle of listeners, who might enjoy the result. Lins writes wonderful songs and in this very special environment these songs sound even better than ever.
| | Updated: 05/06/2025Posted: 05/06/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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