The Newyorkestra Big Band is cut from the same cloth as earlier orchestras like
the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band, and
the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. But this collective plays a wide range of music and doesn't focus primarily on a leader's repertoire, though it isn't apparent who actually leads the band. Trombonist
Pete McGuinness contributed the snappy opener, "Out of the Frying Pan" (which was the result of a National Endowment for the Arts grant), showcasing himself and soprano saxophonist
Steve Kenyon to good effect. He also arranged
David Liebman's "As Always," a moody ballad featuring soprano saxophonist
Andy Middleton. Tenor saxophonist Rob Middleton contributed the tense Latin-flavored cooker "Digital Life," with fine solos by
Bill Mobley (on muted trumpet) and the composer. Both men are also on hand for Middleton's arrangement of
Herbie Hancock's turbulent "One Finger Snap," which the band navigates with finesse. One of the more intriguing tracks is the curious blend of two songs associated with
Miles Davis, also arranged by Middleton:
Ron Carter's "Eighty One" and
Davis' "It's About Time." It is easy to understand why this chart would appeal to audiences fortunate enough to hear the Newyorkestra Big Band in a live setting. ~ Ken Dryden