Ali Ryerson (fl/md)Hubert Laws, Holly Hofmann and Nestor Torres + 16 flutes and Mark Levine (pno); Rufus Reid (bs); Akira Tana (dms).
(Review by Lance).
For years the flute was dismissed as 'not being' an authentic jazz instrument - the polls included it in their Miscellaneous Instruments section which was a disservice to the many fine flautists on the jazz scene. Wayman Carver with Benny Carter in the 1930's was perhaps the first but, since then, first with Frank Wess and Jerome Richardson, sax players who doubled, the instrument gained recognition. Herbie Mann was probably the first modern jazz player to make the instrument his main axe. In this country Harold McNair did the same during his brief spell on this planet. Then they all came along including Hubert Laws who is heavily featured on this disc.
A flute big band? 16 or 17 flutes plus rhythm might not at first seem like a swing recipe for success but, from the opening Daahoud I was hooked!
Broken up into a traditional format with C flutes, alto flutes bass flutes and a contra bass representing sections the ensemble produce near as much tonal variation as you get from an orthodox big band setting.
Guest soloists Hubert Laws, Holly Hofmann and Nestor Torres supply the icing to this delightful cake.
The project itself is the brainchild of flute champion Ali Ryerson, herself an outstanding player. At no time did I miss the saxes, trumpets and trombones. A great rhythm section added to this unusual but enjoyable set up. A choice selection of modern jazz standards - Shorter's Ana Maria; Oliver Nelson's Stolen Moments; Hancock's Speak Like Child; Dizzy's Con Alma; Hefti's Girl Talk and Li'l Darlin'; Faurés Pavanne; Coltrane's Impressions; Tom Harrell's Sail Away - made this an absolute gem.
If you're a flautist this album is a must. If you're not - it's still a one to check out.
Ali Ryerson's Jazz Flute Big Band - Game Changer is available on Capri Records.
Lance.
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