American drummer and composer, Rich Derosa has been resident at the University of North Texas since 2010 as a tenured professor of Jazz Composition and Arranging. His 2026 CD, Wisdom, compiles a decade of his music, which is negotiated magnificently by various “lab bands” at UNT. An innovative institution that provided tuition in jazz studies and awarding it degree status. Led by educator, Leon Breeden, in the early 1950s this was considered quite a bold and controversial move at the time when jazz in the higher education circles did not have the credibility of being recognised academically.
Derosa’s piece Neil (for longtime UNT head, Neil
Slater) was nominated for a Grammy in 2015 and recorded on an earlier UNT Lab
Band CD, Preservation.
A wonderful, winning and
rich (“Rich”-haha) cross section of Derosa’s
work is at hand here. This includes two Gershwin themes - one of which, AI - Go- Rhythm: A 21st Century Take on a
Gershwin Tune is an up-tempo romp boasting the spirited and churning solos
of Gregory Newman’s trumpet, Nathan Davis on trombone and the ferocious tenor
sax of Will Nathman. Contrastingly - the wistful vocal of Georgia Barger
delivers effectively on Derosa’s plaintive, more classic treatment of The Man I Love.
Other highlights include Lines
And Spaces as a veiled tribute and homage to the music of Weather Report.
Especially amidst the passings of Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul. Of particular
interest to this listener was Derosa’s Darkness
Within, written in the mid 1980s while resident in NYC. I was an arranging student of Rich’s at the
Manhattan School of Music then and the piece was recorded on a 1987 LP by the
MSM Jazz Orchestra entitled Shades of
Time. The 2024 version of Wisdom added
an embellished unison doubling of the melody by female vocal and violin. This
lustrous coating helps to bring out the poignant and searching theme.
Derosa’s tribute to the
late guitarist and great friend and collaborator, Vic Juris, is entitled Juris Diction and serves a unique and
moving role in this varied collection. Guitarist, Joel White’s lyrically driving solo outing along with Abbi
Berry’s vocalese permutations add immeasurably to this moving dedication
to Juris’ memory.
A truly masterful
compilation of all things Derosa, is Wisdom. A world class contributor to the
legacy and canon of large group jazz. Full plaudits also to the talent and
dedication of the UNT players in bringing Rich Derosa’s latest offerings to
light. Frank Griffith
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