JEFF RAHEB CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ORCHESTRA
If I may quote from the album sleeve " THE JEFF RAHEB JAZZ ORCHESTRA PERFORMS CUTTING-EDGE LARGE ENSEMBLE MUSIC WHERE THE TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES OF JAZZ BIG BAND AND CLASSICAL MUSIC ARE EXTENDED AND EXPLORED". This is a more than adequate word picture of the impact of this hugely talented East Coast jazz ensemble. Knowing that David Leibman is featured you will probably expect the music to fly in the face of tradition.
Have no doubt that this ferocious advance into cutting edge terrain; advancing the confluence of jazz and classical music, is impressive in its energy, confidence and uncompromising belief in its cause.
This is a spectacularly recorded set, the engineering does not allow any of the energy to disappear in the recording process. Given the concept, every one of the soloists is perilously perched on the edge of the abyss, testing your comprehension and will to be carried along to the limit.
Have no doubt that this CD is not for the 'faint hearted', the latter comment is from Dave Leibman. Traditional big band supporters will not find too much to relax with here. Those who are finding merit in musical excursions by some of the top European Big Bands who flirt with danger as a matter of course, maybe even the work of some American ex-pat musicions in Europe will no doubt find satisfaction in the music.
In passing I would advise appreciators of contemporary poetry to visit Jeff Raheb's site. You may be impressed by his ability to frame his thoughts in words as well as music.
Available from the link above.