Occasionally you get the feeling that an album is, or should be destined to be remembered as an historic recording, it does not happen too often. What it is that gives a performance an ingredient that will accord it a special place in the consciousness of the listening public cannot be anticipated with any sureness. I cannot imagine anyone who begins a concert or plans a recording who knows that history will be made. One can hope; who can know?

Jeff Lindberg's frame of mind as he faithfully transcribed the Gil Evans opus that features on this album must have been very positive; but an historical document! If there is any justice in this world this remarkable recording is destined to be remembered with as much reverence as the original.

One of the many reasons it will stay in the public consciousness may be that this could be seen as 84 year old Clark Terry's finest hour. He coaxes every morsel of emotion from this groundbreaking score with his consummate, assured trumpet and flugelhorn mastery on every track. I am stunned by his sensitivity on one hand and his attack on trumpet when tempos are higher. He is the only soloist on the CD with the exception of Art Hoyle ( trumpet) who joins him on "Gone". Terry is at one with the spirit of the music throughout, his presence becomes essential to the story. One never tires of his delicious tone. I have never heard him perform with greater effect.

I was transported from bar one of track one. Very impressed by the ambiance, somehow giving an impression of space. The engineered sound of this large ensemble was faithfully captured in such a way that you are immediately involved and almost intimidated by the authority of the ensemble as it is propelled along by the outstanding rhythm section. By any standard this is a remarkable recording worthy of taking its place alongside the Gil Evans/Miles Davis original. In passing this is not an attempt to faithfully recreate that which has gone before. It is more a respectful appreciation of the majesty of the original and an opportunity for the grand master Clark Terry to interpret the Porgy And Bess phenomenon.

Tracks: Buzzard Song Bess, You Is My Woman Gone Gone, Gone, Gone Summertime Bess, Oh Where's My Bess Prayer ( Oh Doctor Jesus) Fishermen, Strawberry And Devil Crab My Man's Gone Now It Ain't Necessarily So Here Come De Honey Man I Loves You Porgy There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York

Personnel: Artistic Director And Conductor : Jeff Lindberg Alto Sax: John Wojciechowski Flutes Piccolo Alto: Darlene Drew Jerry Dimuzio: Alto Kimberley Risinger: Bass Flute, Flute Clarinets:Larry Combs,William Overton, Randy Salman, Jerry Dimuzio French Horns: Greg Flint, Neil Kimel, Angela DeBoar (Christine Worthing for Kimel on 1 and 5) Trumpets: Danny Barber, Krk Garrison, Doug Scharf, Art Davis, Art Hoyle, Brent Turney. Trombones:Scott Bentall,Tim Coffman, Andrew Baker, Michael Young (bass) Tuba: Daniel Anderson Bass: Dennis Carroll (Rob Kassinger on 7) Drums: George Fludas

 

 

 

GEORGE GERSHWIN'S PORGY AND BESS: WITH JEFF LINDBERG AND THE CHICAGO JAZZ ORCHESTRA

WITH CLARK TERRY

AMERICANA MUSIC - 9002