Something drifting down from Canada that is far less disturbing than the smoke you saw in yesterday’s post is an album celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Toronto Jazz Orchestra. Arrangements by the TJO’s director, Josh Grossman, include an extended four-part suite in tribute to one of his inspirations, the 95-year-old bandleader and arranger Phil Nimmons. Solo high points in the suite are by the incisive clarinetist Paul Metcalfe and pianist Carissa Neufeld. There are plenty of other notable soloists, including alto saxophonist Jake Kauffman and trombonists Pat Blanchard and Christian Overton. Ms. Neufeld sparkles quietly in the appropriately titled “Reflection.” Grossman’s writing for the ensemble commands attention throughout the album. The TJO brings off his work with spontaneous-sounding verve that grows out of hard work. Two decades of togetherness can do that for a band.
Monday Recommendation: The TJO At 20
Something drifting down from Canada that is far less disturbing than the smoke you saw in yesterday’s post is an album celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Toronto Jazz Orchestra. Arrangements by the TJO’s director, Josh Grossman, include an extended four-part suite in tribute to one of his inspirations, the 95-year-old bandleader and arranger Phil Nimmons. Solo high points in the suite are by the incisive clarinetist Paul Metcalfe and pianist Carissa Neufeld. There are plenty of other notable soloists, including alto saxophonist Jake Kauffman and trombonists Pat Blanchard and Christian Overton. Ms. Neufeld sparkles quietly in the appropriately titled “Reflection.” Grossman’s writing for the ensemble commands attention throughout the album. The TJO brings off his work with spontaneous-sounding verve that grows out of hard work. Two decades of togetherness can do that for a band.
Track Listing
Georgie and Rose; Brad's Prudence; 4 PN Mvt. I: The Land of 2 and 4;; 4 PN Mvt. II: Under a Treeful; 4 PN Mvt. III: Birdsong; 4 PN Mvt. IV: Flat 10 Strikes Again; Reflection; The Blob.
Personnel
The Toronto Jazz Orchestra
band / ensemble / orchestraAdditional Instrumentation
Josh Grossman: artistic director, conductor; Chris Roberts: soprano sax, alto sax, flute; Jake Koffman: alto sax, flute; Paul Metcalfe: tenor sax, clarinet; Chris Hunsburger: tenor sax, clarinet; Shirantha Beddage: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Steve Dyte: lead trumpet; James Rhodes: trumpet; Alexander Brown: trumpet; John Pittman trumpet; Christian Overton: lead trombone; Pat Blanchard: trombone; Mark Grieve: trombone; Sylvain Bédard: bass trombone; Todd Elsliger: guitar; Carissa Neufeld: piano, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer; Mark Godfrey: acoustic bass, electric bass; Ben Ball: drums; Luis Orbegoso: percussion.
Album information
Title: 20 | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: TJO
Comments
About The Toronto Jazz Orchestra
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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