Terry Vosbein / Knoxville Jazz Orchestra
Progressive Jazz 2009
BY JACK BOWERS (AllAboutJazz.com)
When encountering an album whose title is Progressive Jazz 2009, one question that naturally arises is, exactly how “progressive”? The answer, in this case, is progressive enough to enliven and inspire, but not progressive enough to aggravate or perplex. Composer / arranger / conductor Terry Vosbein has reinvigorated a number of heretofore overlooked themes from the creative world of Stan Kenton, added several of his own, and placed them in the capable hands of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra for a concert performance that shines from start to finish.
Aside from Vosbein's, the songs were arranged either by Pete Rugolo (five) or Bob Graettinger (two). Rugolo composed “Artistry in Gillespie,” “Rhythms at Work” and “Hambeth,” Graettinger “Cuban Pastorale.” It's hard to comprehend why any of them isn't better known or performed more often. Vosbein's five works are no less engaging, from the high-flying “Crows in Tuxedos” to the sonorous “Real Princess,” which emphatically rings down the curtain. Vosbein also wrote “Jumping Monkey,” “Ahora es el Tiempo” (Where Is the Tempo) and “Odin's Dream” and arranged Stephen Sondheim's “Johanna,” while Rugolo arranged Claude Debussy's “Afternoon of a Faun” and the standard “Don't Blame Me,” Graettinger “Walkin' by the River.”
As noted, this is a concert performance, and while the sound and balance are by and large admirable, there are some brief passages on “Crows” wherein the trombones seem disconnected from the rest of the orchestra, almost as if playing in another room.* Otherwise, everything is keen and peachy--which also describes the orchestra and its soloists. For a regional ensemble, the KJO is remarkably accomplished, and takes to these demanding charts like ducks to water. The soloists pull their weight as well. Alto Doug Rinaldo is showcased on “Faun,” trumpeter Michael Spirko on “Cuban Pastorale,” trombonists Don Hough and Tom Lundberg on “Hambeth” and “Odin's Dream,” respectively, with other convincing statements by saxophonists David King, Alan Wyatt and Tom Johnson; trumpeters Rich Willey, Van Thompson and Stewart Cox; trombonist Bill Huber, guitarist Mark Bolin, pianist Bill Swann, bassist Rusty Holloway and drummer Keith Brown.
This is Progressive Jazz in the best sense of the word: advanced, forward-moving and enlightening but in no wise pretentious or self-absorbed. Vosbein has chosen the music with care, and the KJO has brought it to life with dexterity and elegance. An admirable performance from end to end.
* Note from producer: This reviewer had a pre-release copy of the recording. Due to his keen ear, we were able to correct this audio glitch in the final version.
