Beyond beauty – Marshall Gilkes & the WDR Big Band- LifeSongs…
Marshall Gilkes & the WDR Big Band – LifeSongs – ASR 017 – 74:24 – *****
(Marshall Gilkes – trombone, composer, arranger, conductor; with the 17 member WDR Big Band (Germany); featuring solos by- Johan Horlen – saxophone; Ludwig Nuss, Raphael Klemm, Andy Hunter – trombones; Andy Haderer – flugelhorn; Paul Heller – tenor sax; Billy Test – piano; Sabeth Perez – vocal on “All the Pretty Horses”)
One of the joys of reviewing jazz CDs is the opportunity to occasionally get blown away by a truly special release. I have always been a fan of orchestral jazz, some with strings, and some with primarily brass and woodwinds. The latter, headlined by releases by Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, and Vince Mendoza, all come to mind. Now I can add the name of trombonist, Marshall Gilkes, to that esteemed list.
Marshall has been featured in Maria’s orchestra, and also spent four years in the trombone section of the WDR Big Band from Cologne, Germany. After leaving that group in 2013, he has continued to use the band to record his large group compositions, earning Grammy nominations.
For his third release using WDR, (and eighth CD as a band leader), Marshall has created a gem, deserving of major acclaim. Largely written during pandemic times, his new release for ASR, titled LifeSongs, is simply stunning, both sumptuous and moving. With an emphasis on brass, largely with his trombone taking center stage, the nine extended tracks both bring on a sense of sonic bliss, inspiring, and also swing like mad.
Right out of the box, the opener, “Fresh Start,” is that and more. A clarion call of beauty, the horns soar with elation, and Gilkes’ round warm tone on trombone leads the way. “Back in the Groove,” has the band responding to a background repetitive phrase. Johan Horlen’s alto sax is featured, and mid- tune, pianist, Billy Test, takes over for several bluesy choruses.
“Cora’s Tune,” written by Marshall for his daughter, has a nice blend of clarinets, and Marshall’s trombone. “My Unanswered Prayer” is an elegiac plea for action (and not just words) against gun violence. The ensemble blend and Billy Test’s piano stand out. The children’s’ lullaby, “All the Pretty Horses,” benefits from vocalist, Sabeth Perez, while Johan Horlen is back, this time on soprano sax. He digs deep, warmly backed by the band. This composition commissioned for Gilkes by the United States Air Force Academy Band, is deeply moving, and such a charmer.
“Middle Ground,” written for the trombones, has a chamber music feel, and would be ever so resonant in an old church, whereas “Sin Filtro,” with its Spanish tinge, would be perfect as an intro in a bull fight setting. It’s heavy on brass, and once again Marshall’s trombone makes it shine. “This Nearly Was Mine,” is a Rodgers and Hammerstein ballad, and has Andy Haderer soloing on flugelhorn. The closer, “Sugar Rush,” is pure adrenaline, written by Gilkes for his children. It’s high energy, a three ring circus, led by the saxophone section.
This is a top notch big band release, with great arrangements, and so easy to recommend. It’s only January, but I’ve got a strong feeling that LifeSongs will be on my list for one of the best jazz releases of the year.
—Jeff Krow
LifeSongs
Tracklist:
Fresh Start
Back in the Groove
Cora’s Tune
My Unanswered Prayer
All the Pretty Horses
Middle Ground
Sin Filtro
This Nearly Was Mine
Sugar Rush
Available through Marshall Gikes
