Contemporary and Swing Jazz Band

6 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Swing/Big Band, JAZZ: Big Band



Details:
CU Jazz Ensemble I was recognized by Down Beat magazine in the area of Best College Big Band in the Student Music Awards. In addition, trumpet soloist Kevin Woods was recognized in the area of Outstanding Instrumental Jazz Soloist. The release features the newest member of the CU Jazz Faculty, saxophonist John Gunther, on the title track. Also featured is the music of Jim McNeely, Maria Schneider, and arranger Chuck Dotas.

Jack Bowers review from AllAboutJazz:

Over the past five years the University of Coloradoâs Jazz Studies program has earned no less than 13 Student Music Awards from Down Beat magazine. I say âearnedâ because (a) the competition is gaining strength each year; and (b) this is one close-knit and hardworking group of undergrads, as one can readily verify on CU Over the Rainbow.
Of course, any disc that opens with Porter and closes with Gershwin merits extra credit from this impartial observer, especially when played with the kind of warmth and understanding that the UC ensemble brings to the table. The band eagerly devours Porterâs âItâs All Right with Meâ and the Gershwin brothersâ âNice Work If You Can Get It,â ably abetted by trumpeter Kevin Woods, co-winner of this yearâs Down Beat award for Best Instrumental Jazz Soloist. Tenor saxophonist Serafin Sanchez constructs a second persuasive solo on âNice Work.â Eric Richards arranged the Porter, Jim McNeely the Gershwin.

Sandwiched between them are a trio of original compositions: Bob Brookmeyerâs playful âFun House,â McNeelyâs cheerful mambo â305â and Maria Schneiderâs multi-colored âLast Season,â each of which the ensemble aces more handily than a mid-term exam. On the Arlen/Harburg classic from which the album takes its name, director John Davis introduces the programâs newest faculty member, tenor saxophonist John Gunther, who quickly validates his credentials with a moving rendition that includes the seldom-heard verse.

Besides Woods (whoâs also heard on âFun Houseâ) and Sanchez, the ensemble boasts a number of consistently impressive improvisers including tenor Danny Meyer (âFun Houseâ), Kurtis Adams (alto sax on â305,â soprano on âLast Seasonâ), trombonist Dave Wiske (â305â) and flugel Gabe Mervins (âLast Seasonâ). Drummers Ryan Hayden (tracks 1-3) and Tyler Hornby (4-6) anchor the muscular rhythm sections, while lead trumpeter Dave Rajewski makes certain the brass are wide-awake and on the same page.

A word about the albumâs title: by reversing the University of Coloradoâs initials, Davis is able to piece together any number of clever names (to date, CU âRound Midnight, CU Over the Rainbow). My suggestion for the next one: Iâll CU in My Dreams. As for the ensemble, itâs a safe bet weâll CU winning even more honors in future Down Beat student music awards competitions.

View the article here:
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=23997