Pianist and composer Stephen Braude makes a fascinating and deeply personal musical statement with his posthumously-released album, “Big Dipper.” Completed following the deaths of Braude and his longtime collaborator Ljubomir “Buba” Stojanovic, the album brings together Braude’s original piano performances with the imaginative arrangements of Serbia’s Yamara Band and the contemporary production of David Rodriguez.
Rather than simply preserving unfinished recordings, the project breathes new life into Braude’s compositions, creating an adventurous ten-track collection that moves effortlessly between jazz, fusion, tango, bebop, and cinematic experimentation. It’s a fitting tribute to an unconventional musician whose intellectual curiosity and playful imagination are reflected throughout his work.
One of Big Dipper’s greatest strengths is its remarkable stylistic diversity. The title track establishes the album’s distinctive character through an elegant jazz-tango arrangement, combining Braude’s expressive piano melodies with Latin-inspired rhythms, intricate instrumentation, and Sarah Thiele’s haunting wordless vocals.
The energetic “Good Grooming” shifts towards bebop and contemporary jazz, with Charles McNeal’s saxophone adding considerable personality to its lively arrangement. “Average Maniac in Las Vegas” introduces a more muscular, guitar-driven sound, highlighting the band’s ability to incorporate rock influences without abandoning its jazz foundations.
The album’s more experimental compositions are equally compelling. “Creepy Crawlers – Slithering Serenade” stands out for its unusual sound effects, shifting instrumental textures, and unconventional 6/4 rhythm, capturing the mischievous side of Braude’s musical personality. In contrast, “The Somber Robes of Evening” offers a darker, introspective atmosphere that provides a welcome emotional counterbalance to the album’s playful tendencies.
The arrangements and production play an essential role in bringing these compositions together. Yamara Band’s Miodrag “Miško” Jovanovic and the late Stojanovic provide a rich instrumental foundation, combining guitars, keyboards, and electronic elements. Rodriguez’s production carefully integrates recordings made at different stages of the project, balancing acoustic performances with programmed elements and expansive soundscapes.
Big Dipper succeeds not only as a heartfelt celebration of Stephen Braude’s legacy but also as an inventive and thoroughly engaging jazz record in its own right. Its combination of sophisticated musicianship, eccentric compositional ideas, atmospheric production, and eclectic genre influences makes it particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate jazz that ventures beyond traditional boundaries.