Album Review: Chicago Jazz Orchestra featuring Bobby Broom - More Amor (CJO Music)

Bobby Broom (guitar) + Chicago Jazz Orchestra (Artistic Director: Jeff Lindberg).

My apologies but this one's  been hanging around since early spring and somehow or other got shuffled down the pecking order. Perhaps I was overawed by the 'cast of thousands' in the Chicago Jazz Orchestra - my fingers can do just so much typing before they cease to function. 

However, by cutting and pasting details from the album insert the problem was solved and when I did get around to actually listening to Billy Broom and the CJO it was well worth the wait - it's a cracker.

Of course fans of Wes who already have the originals are going to question the need for this one.

Well it's a good question but I'm pleased to say it can sit comfortably alongside the older discs. There is a freshness about the arrangements; thanks to Charley Harrison, Tom Garling and Alex Brown, whilst Broom's solos, although noticeably different are still in the Wes tradition (octave and chordal lines). I'm unable to identify the tenor and alto solos nor the trumpet solo (Victor Garcia?) they all shine. However, apart from Broom whose playing is so laid back and gently mindblowing, it's the orchestral passages that knocked me out.

If I were to call it smooth jazz it wouldn't be meant as a derogatory description. -far from it - you'll never hear this in an elevator - it's way beyond that level. Lance