A truly multi-genre masterpiece- Meg Okura & the Pan Asian Chamber Ensemble…
Meg Okura & Pan Asian Chamber Ensemble – Isaiah – Adhyaropa Records #AR00119 – CD – 55:36 – *****
(Meg Okura – violins, erhu, vocal (#2); Anne Drummond – flute; Sam Sadigursky – clarinets; David Smith – trumpet, flugelhorn; Rebecca Patterson – tenor and bass trombone; Riza Printup – harp; John Lee – guitars; Brian Marsella – piano; Evan Gregor – acoustic and electric bass; Peter Kronreif – drums; Specials guests: Randy Brecker – trumpet (#5,6,7,8); Sam Newsome – soprano sax (# 2,5,6,7,8); Remy LeBoeuf – Alto sax, clarinet (#3,9); Rogerio Boccato – percussion (#6,8); Yotam Ishay – organ (#6,7); Naomi Newsome – vocal (#2) )
One of the joys of reviewing jazz CDs is discovering new artists and singing their praises. Such is the case with violinist, Meg Okura, and her Pan Asian Chamber Ensemble. On her new CD, Isaiah, it would be a massive understatement to call their brilliant release just a “fusion” project. Fusion typically means bringing a few musical genres together, often with mixed results. On Isaiah, you can hear jazz, classical, celtic, Americana, and a strong Jewish influence, celebrating her embrace of Judaism. (And I’m sure that I am missing a few other musical references!)
The Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble has been in existence for 20 years, and I truly need to explore their discography, and if it even approaches the beauty and excitement of Isaiah, then they should be considered a national treasure. I rarely find a CD without either a filler, or weak track, but this CD is superb from beginning to end!
Starting with “Sushi Gadol,” and ending much too soon, with “Will You Hear My Voice,” there is an electric excitement that fascinates, and does not let go. What I found so entrancing is the shifts in tempo, and style, that you seldom find elsewhere. “Rice Country” has a Coplandesque joy, while references to Hebraic motifs jump out on “Blessing,” and on her daughter’s pet “phrase”, a fun “Jubberish.”
The tracks that feature guest trumpeter, Randy Brecker, stand out, especially on an album centerpiece, “African Skies.”
It certainly must be mentioned that Meg’s violin prowess is on full display throughout this CD. Her arrangements and orchestrations show a talent that needs to be shared with a wider audience.
This is truly a Five Star release. I will eagerly await the next project of the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble…
—Review by Jeff Krow
Meg Okura & Pan Asian Chamber Ensemble – Isaiah
Tracklist:
Sushi Gadol
Blessing
Isaiah
Rice Country
Afrasia Intro
African Skies
Sunset Belles
Jubberish
Will You Hear My Voice
