The
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is directly descended from the
Thad Jones-
Mel Lewis Orchestra, continuing even after the departure of
Jones for Europe in 1979 and the death of
Lewis in 1990, with pianist
Jim McNeely taking over the band in 1997. The orchestra has continued to stay fresh with their constant exploration of new charts. One of the previous members of the original
Jones-
Lewis band, trombonist
Slide Hampton, serves as the arranger and guest conductor for these December 2003 sessions.
Hampton's four part "Inspiration: Suite for Jazz Orchestra" has
John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" as its underlying theme. It is most apparent in "One for Thad," which features strong solos by tenor saxophonist
Ralph Lalama and trumpeter
Scott Wendholt. The underlying presence of "Giant Steps" is less apparent in "Strayhorn," which is unusual for featuring three separate flute soloists (
Dick Oatts,
Billy Drewes, and
Rich Perry). The listener's ears are tested with
Hampton's richly textured "Gil."
Coltrane's influence returns to the forefront in the brisk concluding segment "Dameron," adding fine solos by
Perry (on tenor sax) and baritone saxophonist
Gary Smulyan.
Hampton's other contributions also merit praise, especially "The Way" and "Frame for the Blues," the latter adding the composer's brilliant trombone to the band and trading licks with fellow trombonist Jason Jackson. With new material like
Hampton's being added to the vast repertoire of the
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, this is one big band that should be around for decades to come. ~ Ken Dryden