The latest CD releases reviewed
STOCKHOLM JAZZ ORCHESTRA Plays Stockholm Jazz Orchestra Dragon *****
At the core of this latest example of the SJO's collective brilliance (for which band members contributed all the compositions) are three superbly orchestrated arrangements by Jim McNeely, two more by Bob Mintzer, and a further three by Göran Strandberg.
Magnus Blom and drummer Jukkis Uotila sustain the quality. What also distinguishes the music is the way the band handle the arrangements.
Despite the richness of the scoring and the variety of the contrapuntal writing (none of which, incidentally, overshadows the soloists), the SJO play with a relaxed, swinging authority that does justice to the nuanced unfolding of each piece of musical storytelling.
The internal balance is also a marvel; the stunning power of both brass sections is matched by what must be one of the finest reed sections around. As for quality soloists, need you ask? www.swedishmusicshop.com - RAY COMISKEY
WOLFERT BREDERODE Currents ECM ****
Dutch pianist Brederode's quartet, with Claudio Puntin (clarinets), Mats Eilertsen (bass) and Samuel Rohrer (drums), is occasionally poised between chamber music and jazz.
The opening Common Fields, for instance, has something of Steve Reich's subtly graded repetition, but, in an oddly gripping performance, gradually becomes looser and more intense behind the soloists.
Despite any classical suggestions, however, the quartet dialogue throughout Currents - often so intimately conceived that it's hard to be sure what is written, what is improvised - really belongs within the warmth and nourishment of the jazz idiom.
The compositions, all by Brederode (one is co-written with singer Susanne Abbuehl), are singularly beautiful, with playing to match, and the sparse setting is ideal for players with the lyricism and melodic gifts of this fine quartet. www.musicconnection.org.uk - RAY COMISKEY
JIM SNIDERO Tippin' Savant ***
Although Snidero began his professional career in the 1980s with Jack McDuff's organ combo, this seasoned, consistently fine hard bop altoist has not returned to the format for decades.
Until now. In the equally battle-hardened company of frequent colleagues Mike LeDonne (organ), Paul Bollenback (guitar) and Tom Reedus (drums), Snidero finds mutual inspiration in revisiting an enduring part of the jazz tradition.
There are no boundaries breached and no ventures into uncharted territory; just a few blues, some above-average originals (mostly by Snidero), and four standards. Tippin', with superior blowing by all concerned, is distinguished as much by its brevity as by its wit.
Notable is the work on Snidero's K2 and the euphoric groove this congenial quartet achieves on Alone Together. http://uk.hmboutique.com - RAY COMISKEY
