Few would debate composer/arranger and big band leader, Maria Schneider's significance to the world of jazz. A true stylist who possesses a gifted ear, an equally impressive pen and a penchant for extracting the very best out of her band mates, Schneider has three recordings to her credit which includes this highly anticipated new release, titled Allegresse.
In the liners, Schneider states..."For this recording I wanted to create music that conveys beauty." An accurate statement indeed as the overall production encompasses luminous, poetic themes and expressive horn charts. These characteristics become noticeably evident from the onset of the album's opener, "Hang Gliding." Here, the orchestral arrangement evokes imagery of a tiptoe waltz amid climactic developments and mild tempered choruses whereas, the title track combines linear motifs with arched lines atop velvety statements by trumpeter Ingrid Jensen who also performs on flugelhorn.Schneider also exhibits an acute capacity for integrating space and depth into her arrangements which comes to the forefront on the twenty-minute opus "Dissolutio," as underlying melodies generate stark emotion, humble sentiment and fiery proclamations. The album's closer, "Sea Of Tranquility," boasts a breezy understated arrangement counterbalanced by baritone saxophonist Scott Robinson's soul induced lines.
Basically, Schneider triumphs as a purveyor of beauty, through song, along with a deeply personalized and seemingly unyielding commitment to her craft. Allegresseis the complete package and should be deemed essential listening for ardent fans of orchestral/big band music or jazz lovers alike. - Glenn Astarita
Tracks
01. Hang Gliding
Soloist – Greg Gisbert, Rick Margitza
02. Nocturne
Soloist – Frank Kimbrough
03. Allégresse
Soloist – Rick Perry, Ingrid Jensen
04. Dissolution
Soloist – Tim Ries
05. Journey Home
Soloist – Charles Pillow, Ben Monder
06. Sea Of Tranquility
Soloist - Scott Robinson
Tony Scherr– acoustic bass, electric bass
Ben Monder– acoustic guitar, electric guitar
Charles Pillow– alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, flute, piccolo flute, oboe, English horn
Scott Robinson– baritone sax, bass saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, alto flute
Jeff Ballard– drums, percussion
Tim Horner– drums
Frank Kimbrough– piano
Tim Ries– soprano sax, clarinet, flute, alto flute
Rich Perry– tenor saxophone, flute
Rick Margitza– tenor sax, soprano sax, flute
George Flynn– bass trombone, tuba
Tony Kadleck– trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn
Dave Ballou– trumpet, flugelhorn
Greg Gisbert– trumpet, flugelhorn
Ingrid Jensen– trumpet, fluhelhorn
Laurie, Fink– trumpet, flugelhorn
Maria Schneider– conductor, composer
Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios on January 26-27, 2000
Enja Records – ENJ-9393 2