Album review: Greg Yasinitsky Yazz Band - New Normal

Back in 2018 I was impressed by Yasinitsky's recording - Yazz Band - in fact it was one of my Big Band CDs of the Year. After first listen, this one could also be in with a shout although, despite there being 16 names listed, it is actually a collective grouping with the various units ranging from 7 - 9 pieces and, truth to tell, due to the pandemic some weren't even there at all but recorded their part at home which, in some cases was Los Angeles, Baton Rouge and Bologna in Italy. Hence the title, The New Normal.

However, so seamlessly have the various components been mixed and assembled by David Bjur in the Washington State University Recording Studio that it is impossible to tell. Bjur also played bass on three of the tracks

All eight numbers are originals composed by leader Yasinitsky who also plays soprano, alto, tenor and baritone.

He blows fine swinging tenor solos on  six of the tracks, some meaty baritone on another as well as soprano on Blues For Brecker. That's three Brecker  tributes in three days! The latter track includes some bluesy guitar from Gabe Condon as well as fiery trumpet from Vern Sielert.

Most of the players solo at various times with both Torres and Glenn getting rich trombone sounds on, respectively, The New Normal and Hangtown Fry.

Young is the featured tenor on  Blues for a King - that's Martin Luther King - and he solos impressively on alto on Diva. The various pianists, bassist and drummers all have their moments of glory but, apart from the leader, this isn't about individuals, it's about individuals getting together to produce a fine swinging album under these strange conditions which are indeed the new normal.

Lance

Available now - try/buy.