The RMJO is a great post-Basie big band blowing on some fine charts by the leader. Only 36 minutes but what a wham, bang 36 minutes!
Wiley Roots: composed and arranged by Middagh has both Aliquo and Coffin taking tenor solos. Contrasting styles - one big and beefy the other lighter and cooler. Agee shatters the crystal chandelier (if there was one) with a blistering 'bone blast.
Waiter, Make Mine Blues: Jenna McLean takes the vocal on this Bessie Brown number and Aliquo again cuts lose on tenor. The band is in true Basie mode before Jenna takes it out in style. The girl can sing, no doubt about it.
Tenor Madness: The tenors live up to the title with Frahm reminding me of a magical night at Seven Arts earlier this year. Coffin also nails it. Perhaps he's the less sane of the two. As well as the soloists working out, it's another fine arrangement by Middagh.
Cry me a River: This song is probably the most overused item in any female singer's repertoire ever since Julie London set down the benchmark way back in the day. Ms London remains undefeated. Wisely, Jenna McLean doesn't try to out-seduce Julie but takes a different tack - she ups the tempo so that it swings like it has never done before. As well as the vocal, there's some nice piano from Coil and knockout alto from Quallo ensuring that the tenors don't get all of the glory.
This Time the Dream's on me: When a song has been composed by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer the odds are pretty short on it being a winner. When the chart's by Middagh, who also plays tasty, melodic and lyrical baritone, then all bets are off. Jeremy Wilson's trombone solo doesn't hurt either.
Wired: Composed by Alex Graham who wails on alto on another killer track that culminates with some fancy stickwork from Widenhofer.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes a swinging big band. Release date is January 10.
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