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The Aardvark Jazz Orchestra: Evocations
By Track review of "Rascals & Scoundrels"The diverse "Rascals & Scoundrels" spans John Cage-like abstractions, minimalism and asymmetrical movements, offset by interweaving horns, mellifluously executed mid-tempo swing vamps and jagged loops. Here, the band touches upon numerous concentration points. Harvey also allows copious room for the soloists to expand and renew mini-themes. Featuring argumentative type exchanges and shifting emotive sentiment, the artists raise the pitch during the bridge and even toss in a few traditional big band choruses amid bluesy inflections. But Harvey finalizes the proceedings in a whisper via his dainty piano phrasings. The orchestra's multidimensional and far-reaching mode of operations is glaringly communicated on "Rascals & Scoundrels"and throughout the program.
Personnel
Mark Harvey: music director, conductor, trumpet, piano; Arni Cheatham: alto saxophone, tenor saxophone and flute; Peter Bloom: alto saxophone, flute and piccolo; Phil Scarff: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and clarinet; Dan Zupan: baritone saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet; K.C. Dunbar: trumpet; Jeanne Snodgrass: trumpet; Jay Keyser: trombone; Ethan Fenn: trombone; Bill Lowe: bass trombone and tuba; Richard Nelson: guitar; John Funkhouser: bass; Victor Belanger: bass; Harry Wellott: drums.
Album information
Title: Evocations | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Leo Records