The music on this thoughtful jazz ensemble compact disc takes you forward to moments of joy and optimism, on the distaff side it also hints at darker moments.
This extremely articulate project is one to sit back and contemplate what is happening musically and perhaps why. During the 80 minutes of the CD you will absorb the sort of music people like Bob Brookmeyer have been preparing us for. There are occasional references to the traditional big band startlingly dissolving into exhilerating flights of invention. I find the unexpected logic of the writing irresistable;. rhythmically intense, harmonically rich. What more do you want?
Died in the wool traditionalists may find this adventure too close to or beyond what some people think is the cutting edge. But every excursion has it's reward, whether it is the expected extraordinarily high standard of soloing or the extreme demands of the ensemble writing, whatever this is an album Canada, and Fred Stride can be proud of.
The CD is available at Cellar Live (above) and also at CDBaby and CD Universe.