A quote from the web-site ":This contemporary big band swings hard with seventeen of Vancouver's finest jazz musicians. Beautiful ensemble work and brilliant solos combine to make it one of the most exciting and sophisticated big bands on the west coast jazz scene today". This is worthy description of the this remarkable group. The project shouts that it was done for love and no sacrifice was to great. I would suggest that when the band is described as 'beautiful', what is meant, beautiful in the way that Mount St. Helens is beautiful: awsome when it erupts!!!
If you choose to journey with this fabulous big band you have to equate it with being a passenger in a Rolls Royce, It is only when you put down your glass of champagne, brush the crumbs from your lap and peer out of the window that you realise you have been travelling at 120 miles per hour. The complexity of some of the arranging is conquered with an ease that suggests that even at this level of performance, the band is comfortably within its limits and tension free, so articulate and technically outstanding.
The music created by Jill Townsend and husband Bill Coon, is exciting, it is passionate,the lyrical intensity of the ballads will stop you in your tracks (Old Folks). The style of the writing scans from perhaps the best of Quincy Jones in the 50-60s (From A Whisper To A Roar) to Thad Jones & Mel Lewis. Add the puckish-ness of Jim Hall's STREET DANCE the delightful WILD IRISH ROSE and you have the consummate big band event. There is not a weak moment on this 2002 studio recording.
A bonus for musicians who enjoy this music is the fact that a number of the arrangements are available for purchase, check the website.
Please support this group if it performs locally, the album is an essential purchase for any serious collector.
I have copies here in the UK.
P.S. During the playing of this excellent compact disc, you are likely to be impressed by the artistry of guitarist Bill Coon. His trio is featured on his own CD on the same label, you can find details on Jill Townsend's website (link above). Respectful interpretations of standards are featured. If you insulate yourself from the real world while enjoying the CD by the big band, you might as well invite in this trio in and relax. This is the music of intimate jazz clubs, lights down, and soft lighting illuminating this quality trio.
As it is not big band I do not stock, but you can buy via CD Baby
TALES FROM THE SEA