When you merge two ingredients together to make up one appetizing product, that is exactly what WDR Big Band has done with its latest release. This new project is titled ‘Bluegrass’ and includes elements of traditional bluegrass and orchestral jazz music. The end result will have your senses running wild from start to finish!
‘Bluegrass’ is directed by Bob Mintzer who also plays saxophone and handles electronic wind instruments (EWI). The album also features Mike Marshall on mandolin & guitar and Darol Anger on violin. The WDR Big Band includes a talented group of musicians and they are: Wim Both, Ruud Breuls, Andy Haderer, Martin Reuthner on the trumpet, Ludwig Nuss, Tim Hepburn, Andy Hunter, Mattis Cederberg on the trombone, Johan Hörlén, Karolina Strassmayer, Jeremy Powell, Paul Heller, Jens Neufang on sax, John Goldsby on bass, Dominik Raab on drums and Billy Test on piano. Together, WDR Big Band creates a sound that is invigorating and it will excite listeners everywhere!
“Slip and Slide” is up first and immediately a whirlwind of melodies surrounds you with pristine instrumentation & orchestration. By way of a wonderful arrangement and performance, WDR Big Band is kicking things off right with “Slip and Slide”. Next, pleasing notes are flowing up & down “Yew Piney Mountain” that makes for such a lively scene overall. On track three, “Down in the Willow Garden”, vibrant notes are sprouting up and the seeds are planted deep within your ears. There is such a distinct richness in place on “Down in the Willow Garden” that will grow on you with its hearty & healthy hook. It’s time to march onto the “Green Lawn” where WDR Big Band came to play and showed up and showed out! “Green Lawn” cuts through perfectly from a musical standpoint with its fresh & enriching sound. Prepare to take a spiritual stroll with “Emy in the Woods” where every inch is filled with sheer wonder & surprise. “Emy in the Woods” provides colorful textures and vast & bright textures that makes for one enjoyable listening experience. WDR Big Band is simply on fire on “Replace It All” where the group delivers a spectacular, star-studded production that is tasteful & flavorful. We now go “In the Lion’s Den” where the environment is quite tame and everything is under control. It’s safe to say that “In the Lion’s Den” is roaring with smart restraint and precision proving that WDR Big Band can soothe the savage beast. Get ready to dance a jig with “Dexter” where the energy level is high and everyone’s just having a good time. WDR Big Band goes out in style on “Borealis” where delightful improvisations will light up your eardrums.
‘Bluegrass’ and big band jazz unite to create a style that is both invigorating and original. WDR Big Band brings outstanding solos and excellent musical direction that makes this release an instant success. Just press play and prepare to have your mind blown with WDR Big Band’s ‘Bluegrass’ leading the charge!
https://www1.wdr.de/orchester-und-chor/bigband/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1143299783503689
www.mcgjazz.org
By Jimmy Rae
