Album Review: Westchester Jazz Orchestra's 'Maiden Voyage Suite'

Though populated with veterans of the world’s most exciting jazz scene, The Westchester Jazz Orchestra (WJO) remains one of the lesser-known large ensembles in the New York area. Admittedly, I might have passed over their upcoming release Maiden Voyage Suite (WJO 2011) had it not been for the familiar names on the personnel list, which would have been my loss. This is a band in the same class as Maria Schneider’s, the Village Vanguard’s, and any other top-tier group you can name. Not coincidentally, many in the WJO are current or past members of those very ensembles.

Though eight years old, the WJO didn’t release its first recording, All In until 2007, an auspicious debut that went to number four on the JazzWeek charts. Listening to the forthcoming Maiden Voyage Suite, I expect this band to continue growing in popularity. The band’s clever blend of tradition with innovation, first-rate soloists, and impeccable writing should propel it into a lot of radio playlists.

Based on Herbie Hancock’s seminal album Maiden Voyage (Blue Note 1965), Maiden Voyage Suite includes big band arrangements of each of Hancock’s five compositions plus an original prologue, interlude, and epilogue. The arrangements come from bandleader Mike Holober, band members Tony Kadleck and Jay Brandford, and Grammy-nominated arranger Pete McGuinness, each of whom shows profound respect for Hancock’s originals while expanding each tune formally and harmonically. Listen to the way Holober composes his way out of Ted Rosenthal's piano solo on “Eye of the Hurricaine” and into contrapuntal escalations in the winds: two of my favorite minutes of music of the past year. A composed shimmering wail at the top of the phrase gives me goose bumps.

Not to be overlooked are the efforts of soloists on this recording. Having reviewed trumpeter Jim Rotondi’s Blues For Brother Ray last year, I was pleased to hear him solo in this more dense setting. His solos on “Survival of the Fittest” display his bebop dexterity, and his trading with saxophonist Jason Rigby on “Epilogue” show sensitivity and passion. New to my ears was the playing of David Brandom, whose soprano solo on “Maiden Voyage” effuses conviction.

Maiden Voyage Suite is a mature, intelligent reflection on Hancock’s original recording. The bobbing bass lines and modal harmonies will be familiar to jazz listeners, while the dense arranging and virtuosic soloing infuse the tunes with new life. One of my favorite 2011 releases so far.

Release Date:

2011 on WJO Records

Personnel:

• Mike Holober – Conductor
• Tony Kadleck – Trumpet
• Craig Johnson – Trumpet
• Marvin Stamm – Trumpet
• Scott Wendholt – Trumpet
• Larry Farrell – Trombone
• Keith O’Quinn – Trombone
• Bruce Eidem – Trombone
• George Flynn – Trombone
• Jay Brandford – Sax/reeds
• David Brandom – Sax/reeds
• Ralph Lalama – Sax/reeds
• Jason Rigby – Sax/reeds
• Ed Xiques – Sax/reeds
• Ted Rosenthal – Piano
• Harvie S - Bass
• Andy Watson – Drums

Track List:

1. Prologue
2. Maiden Voyage
3. Eye of the Hurricane
4. Little One
5. Interlude
6. Survival of the Fittest – Part 1
7. Survival of the Fittest – Part 2
8. Dolphin Dance
9. Epilogue