This is clearly
evident in the selections, all of which are distinct standards that illuminate
different sides of the same coin. Composers like Dorough, Tormé, Rodgers,
Frishberg, Thad Jones and Leroy Anderson all get an equal airing on Holidays.
Sergeant is a jazz
vocalist of effervescent energy and dramatic intensity fuelled with a
theatrical background resulting in her storytelling being imbued with sonic
conversation with both the charts and the musicians.
Nash, perhaps known best for his long-time
membership as both alto saxophonist and featured composer with the Lincoln
Center Jazz Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis comes to the fore in both roles on Holidays. His soloing on soprano and tenor
saxes and flute raises the bar significantly and adds a lot to the proceedings.
The scion of legendary Hollywood studio trombonist, Dick Nash and nephew of top
LA reedman, Ted Nash, it is clear that Nash has carried the family torch well into
the 21st century with aplomb.
His unique
treatment of the songs illustrate his command and influence of the likes of
Bob Brookmeyer (who he played under with the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra in the
1980s), Bill Holman, Thad Jones and Gil Evans. All of which are equally and healthily
dolloped with his own techniques and innovations to boot.
This all star NYC
ensemble is dotted with the likes of Sherman Irby and Paul Nezella gripping the
saxes, trumpeters, James Zollar and Marcus Printup and Jennifer Krupa’s
trombone. The crack rhythm team of Adam Birmbaum (piano), Jay Anderson (bass) and
drummer Jared Schonig guide and underscore the music with undeniable verve,
subtlety and swing throughout.
Holidays indeed! Grab your copy of this fine
offering well before the 2024 Christmas season lands upon us. Frank Griffith
(Frank Griffith is a Liverpool based saxist, clarinettist and arranger. His weekly radio show THE JAZZ CAVERN airs on www.purjazzradio.com www.frankgriffith.co.uk)
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