SHERISSE ROGERS'S PROJECT UPRISING
SLEIGHT OF HAND : FEATURING DAVE LEIBMAN
This is a debut CD as far as I can tell, by Cherisse Rogers an extremely talented arranger from New York. The group is variously described as a big band or orchestra. I think it could be more usefully described as a jazz ensemble. There appear to be 27 musicians involved, who plays what, except for soloists is a little bit of a mystery. My guess is that here we have 'probably' a regular big band configuration plus the announced 'guest' string quartet. When you use the expression big band or orchestra, there will probably be certain expectations. This is why I think that it is an ensemble of jazz musicians who can be anything you want them to be!
One certainty, listening to the imaginative arrangements, is that the soloists, unknown to me , are excellent and never miss in their interpretations of highly complex music that transends ' cutting edge', and invades the territories being explored by some the finest progressive groups in Europe.
The challenge set by the arranger may well be beyond the comprehension of those who enjoy a more predictable setting. Having said that there is a lyrical germ that is trying to get itself noticed, it may be in spite of the sharp edged predilections of the arranger. East Of The Sun, Time Remembered and Blue Skies suggest to me that there is an urge to moderate the progressive tendencies and let a beautiful melody have it's head. The arrangements are gorgeous, the respect for the classic standard is complete including devolving to an authentic big band, albeit modern,interpretation. The rest of the music may well need a little work on the part of the listener to understand and enjoy the startling creativity of the arranger and her soloists.
Project Uprising personnel:-
Erica Von Kleist, Aaron Irwin, Jeremy Fletcher, Felipe Salles, Mike Webster, Kurt Bacher, Nathan Warner, Adan Czerpinski, Nadje Noorhuis, Laurie Frink, Luis Bonilla, Kaji Kajiwara, Christian Pincock, Ben Griffin, Max Seigel, Jess Stacken, Jorge Amorim, Fraser Hollins, Obed Calvaire, Rob Moose, Laura Arpienen, Karissa Antonacci, Jody Redhage, Yoon Choi, Charenee Wade, Nathan Hetherington.