Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Sherman Irby's Inferno

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Sherman Irby's Inferno
Blue Engine Records

"Inferno" is a suite by Sherman Irby, the lead alto saxophonist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO). The suite is Irby's interpretation of Dante Alighieri's epic poem from "The Divine Comedy," which takes listeners on a musical tour of the underworld's nine circles. This recording is from a May 19, 2012 performance by JLCO, the personnel of which included on Reeds: Sherman Irby (alto saxophone, clarinet, and flute), Ted Nash (alto saxophone, clarinet, and flute), Victor Goines (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, and clarinet), Walter Blanding (tenor saxophone), and special guest Joe Temperley (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Trumpets; Ryan Kisor, Marcus Printup, Kenny Rampton, and Wynton Marsalis; Trombones Vincent Gardner, Chris Crenshaw, and Elliot Mason; and the Rhythm Section: Dan Nimmer (piano). Carlos Henriquez (bass), and Ali Jackson (drums).

The download of this recording that I was provided did not include more than a brief description of the music. I also am aware of Dante, but not familiar with his writings. There may be liner notes that explain the seven movements as well as the connection to Dante's writings. Baritone saxophonist Temperley is cast as the voice of Dante, while the various improvisers are intended to give life to the denizens of hell. Even without a fuller context, I was able to appreciate the music and the performance captured here.

One thing that impressed me was an Ellingtonian quality to the music and performances. One might compare the music here to some of Ellington's Suites. The sounds of the horn sections, such as the heralding of the trumpets heralding at the beginning of "Movement I; House of Unbelievers," along with the solos from Ted Nash's flute, Victor Goines' clarinet, and Chris Crenshaw's trombone, as well as the voicings of the horn sections, enhance this feel.

While the JLCO plays at a high level throughout, one standout track is the animated, blues-drenched "Movement III: Beware the Wolf and the Serpent," with Irby's heated alto sax followed by Elliot's equally spirited trombone and Wynton Marsalis fiery trumpet. But there is magic to be heard throughout this first-rate performance of a superb musical composition. "Inferno" is an outstanding recording. I understand that this recording is only available as an MP3 or hi-res WAV digital download from https://store.jazz.org/products/inferno.

I received a download to review from Blue Engine Records.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Big Band Holidays II

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Big Band Holidays II
Blue Engine Records

Among the new recordings to help folks celebrate the winter holidays is "Big Band Holidays II" by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. This celebrated Orchestra brings big band swing to some holiday favorites and some lesser-known tunes for this time of year. The musicians contributing to these performances from the Orchestra's annual Holiday programs are: Reeds - Sherman Irby –  alto and soprano saxophones, clarinet, flute; music director (2015-2016); Ted Nash – alto and soprano saxophones, clarinet, flute; Victor Goines – music director (2018); tenor and soprano saxophones, clarinet; Walter Blanding (2015–2017) – tenor saxophone, clarinet, shaker; Paul Nedzela – baritone and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet; *Camille Thurman (2018) – tenor and soprano saxophones; Trumpets - Marcus Printup; Kenny Rampton; Wynton Marsalis (music director, 2017/18); *Ryan Kisor (2015, 2017-2018);*Greg Gisbert (2016); *Bruce Harris (2016);*Tatum Greenblatt (2017); Trombones - Vincent Gardner; Chris Crenshaw; Elliot Mason (2015-2016, 2018); *Sam Chess (2017); *Eric Miller (2018); and Rhythm Section - Dan Nimmer – piano; Carlos Henriquez – bass; Ali Jackson (2015-2016) – drums; *Marion Felder (2017) – drums; and *Charles Goold (2018) – drums. Those named marked with an asterisk are substitute orchestra members. Guests on this release include Aretha Franklin – vocals and piano; Audrey Shakir – vocals; Denzal Sinclaire vocals; Catherine Russell – vocals; Veronica Swift – vocals; James Chirillo – guitar.

Anyone who has seen the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) knows what a superb band it is whose members are excellent session players and also fabulous soloists. It is a terrific big band in the Count Basie or Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Bands vein. The JLCO members contributing the arrangements for these eleven wonderful performances that open with Wynton Marsalis' arrangement of "Winter Wonderland," where Marsalis' trumpet is only one of the exceptional soloists. Catherine Russell is present for three vocals with her singing on Steve Allan's "Cole Yule" standing out. Sherman Irby arranged this, and he soloed brilliantly. Denzel Sinclaire is heard singing on an animated "We Three Kings" and a bluesy arrangement of "Silent Night." The former number was arranged by Carlos Henriquez and also features Paul Nedzela's superb baritone sax. Victor Goines arranged "Silent Night," which has James Chirillo's bluesy guitar solo. Aretha Franklin is stunning on "O Tannenbaum," accompanied only by her piano. Vocalist Veronica Swift shines on "(Everybody's Waitin' for) The Man with the Bag," with Vincent Gardner's trombone (quoting "Frosty the Snowman") in the spotlight. Walter Blanding is responsible for the swinging arrangement.

The other performances are similarly first-rate, including the buoyant Latin groove of "Brazilian Sleigh Bells." Wynton Marsalis makes the announcements and salutes the various soloists on these excellent, vibrant, toe-tapping, brassy performances. "Big Band Holidays II" will undoubtedly bring plenty of holiday cheer to any holiday celebrations.

I received a download to review from Jazz at Lincoln Center/ Blue Engine Records. Here is the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performing "Sleigh Ride."