Record Reviews
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  | UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ SWEET RUBY SUITE
NOT ON LABEL ~ CANADA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is a lovely album recorded by the University Of Toronto Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist directed by Gordon FooteFind albums by this artist and featuring two guest stars: the British vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist. The album is a tribute to trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who although associated with British / European Jazz, was born in Canada and left for Britain in 1952 when he was just 22 years old. The album presents four compositions, all by Wheeler and with lyrics by Winstone, including the title piece, which lasts almost half an hour and which Wheeler first recorded with the Canadian Maritime Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist in 2002.
Wheeler´s music is of course irresistible and when combined with a fine orchestra, Winstone´s vocal performances and Liebman´s saxophone pyrotechnics, the album is a most pleasant listening experience.
The orchestra, although consisting of students of the Faculty of Music of the University, performs splendidly, including the soloing by some of the orchestra members. It is perhaps less polished and biting than other orchestras involving experienced Jazz veterans, especially so in Europe, but all thing considers there is nothing wrong with the way they perform the music and overall they stand up to the challenge with shining colors.
Winstone, as usual, delivers heartfelt and musically thrilling vocal parts, which are always a true honey on the ears. She is probably the most reliable Jazz vocalist ever and in the span of the last five decades I have never heard her sing anything less than perfect.
Liebman, as expected, also delivers what he does best; wonderfully structured and devilishly complex soprano saxophone solos, which beautifully ornament and enrich the proceedings.
The album was released in a very modest packaging and it seems that it is not commercially available, which is a great pity as it truly deserves to be heard by as many Jazz connoisseurs as possible. If you can find it – grab it ASAP before it will become nowhere to be found. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 23/06/2018Posted: 23/06/2018 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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