Once again a Canadian Jazz Orchestra produces an exceptional compact disc. It seems wherever you go in Canada, the level of jazz performance is at spectacular level. Over the years, under the stewardship of Gordon Foote MCGill has produced worthy projects confirming that this particular university is among the best anywhere. A blindfold will convince you of the sure footedness of these young musicians, and a standard that most pro' bands would be proud of.
As ever the program on this disc (you have to practice with the title) shows that whether the musicians are asked to explore the labarinthian depths of a Brookmeyer piece, the muscle flexing of Wayne Shorter, the swinging but deceptive logic of Thad Jones; this band will emerge successful. It apparent to me that the curiculum recognises that the ability unravel the overly intellectual excesses of contemporary arrangers and composers is not necessarily the stuff of a career in music. In this case we have a project that demonstrates the flexibility and ability of McGill alums to be at home in any musical situation as and when they move on to a career in music.
The arrangements on this CD are by former students and by Quincy Jones, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer and Bill Holman. Close to the 'cutting edge' but not pushing the envelope beyond the comprehension of the average lister.
This is a highly recommended CD, available from me in the UK and via the links above.