inspirations Archive

Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra – Portraits and Places – Origin

by Audiophile Audition | Aug 16, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Big band jazz which blends past and present. Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra – Portraits and Places [TrackList follows] – Origin 82710, 57:02 [5/9/16] ****: (Scott Reeves – conductor, Flugelhorn; Steve Wilson – soprano and alto saxophone, flute; Vito Chiavuzzo – alto saxophone, flute; Rob Middleton and Tim Armacost – tenor saxophone, clarinet; Jay Brandford – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet (tracks 1, 4); Terry Goss – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet (tracks 2-3, 5, 8); Seneca Black, Nathan Eklund, Bill Mobley, Andy Gravish – trumpet, Flugelhorn; Tim Sessions, Matt McDonald, Matt Haviland – trombone; Max Seigel – bass trombone; Jim Ridl – piano; Todd Coolman – bass; Andy Watson – drums; Sara Serpa – voice (tracks 3-4); Emi Miyajima Nobe, Yuzuki Nobe – Japanese dialogue (track 3)) There’s inspired music coursing through the debut album by the Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra. During the hour-long Portraits and Places, Reeves shows many inspirations, from pianist James Williams (his résumé includes stints with Art Blakey and Clark Terry as well as jazz education) to composers such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. Through eight compositions (seven originals by Reeves plus one by Antonio Carlos Jobim), Reeves takes his large ensemble for a swinging ride replete […]