(Review by David Brownlow)
A fine CD by John Vanore leading a 15 piece jazz orchestra honouring the works of his former tutor - composer/arranger, Oliver Nelson who sadly passed away in 1975. Nine pieces originally composed or arranged by Nelson which Vanore has reimagined, rearranged, played trumpet on or conducted this strong material. The line-up is unusual in that there are two French horns, two trombones, four/five trumpets, two saxes who double, and five in the rhythm dept. The arrangements are freshly crafted in the ‘contemporary’ big band/orchestra style and the results are dynamic and full of surprises - well worth hearing.
The opener, Self Help Is Needed, from 1969, is a swinger with richly harmonised, brassy ensembles and a “fruity” solo from Steve Wilson on alto. A “springy” A Taste Of Honey in jazz-waltz time features Bob Malach on tenor; Vanore gets some new life from the well-known pop song with a refreshing re-harmonisation.
Stolen Moments, Oliver Nelson’s best-known composition, has a brass-led chorale-style opening of this haunting song followed by bass and piano solos. The leader then ‘joins the fray’ with his only playing contribution – a deeply felt tribute to his mentor.
The twelve-minute long El Gato, originally written in homage to Argentinian saxist Gato Barbieri, features extended work-outs from Malach, Wilson and guitarist Kettinger. The arranger cleverly builds up then releases the tension with backgrounds driving each solo above a churning rhythm section.
Finally, there is a fiery two-way ‘conversation’ between alto and tenor leading to an exultant climax. A slow St Louis Blues has a poignant theme statement from solo trumpet over rich “Gil Evans” style chords leading to a wonderfully fluent and moving feature for Dave Ballou. Evocative also because Oliver Nelson was a native of St Louis……..The famous Blues And The Abstract Truth taken at a fast tempo sounds as fresh and inventive as any contemporary piece. Again featuring Ballou on trumpet, it’s a tour-de-force for him as ideas tumble forth exuberantly – what a player!
A lively Greensleeves is arranged for ‘massed brass’ and a trombone solo from Keberle. New harmonies catch your attention from the start and because it’s a short track, (2 min 59 sec) it leaves the listener wanting more…I Hope In Time A Change Will Come again from 1969 has Steve Wilson on soprano this time supported by warm background figures from the band. A strong ‘blues’feel to this piece adds strength to Nelson’s title and his hopes for the future…
Finally, Reuben’s Rondo is the cleverly-written chart which first inspired Vanore years ago. Given a “fresh lick of paint” this track charges briskly along swinging with Wilson on alto well to the fore.
A recommended CD with a nod to the past and a look to the future, this is one of my albums of the year available on August 18, from acoustical concepts AC-53 @ www.johnvanore.net
Dave Brownlow.
John Vanore (Composer/arranger/trumpet); Tony Kadlek, Augie Haas, Jon Owens, Dave Ballou (tpt); Ryan Keberle, Dave Taylor (tmb); Adam Unsworth, George Barnett (Fr.horn); Steve Wilson, Bob Malach (reeds); Jim Ridl (pno); Mike Richmond (bass); Danny Gottlieb (dms); Greg Kettinger (gtr); Beth Gottlieb (perc on 1 track).
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