Multiversal: Live At Bop Stop
Hidden Cinema, 2025
9/10
Listen to Multiversal: Live At Bop Stop
This sophomore album from the Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra showcases Harvey’s conducting, arranging and composing skills alongside an excellent cast for the 11 energetic tracks.
“Multiversal” starts the listen with a warm Big Band approach, where Tommy Lehman’s radiant trumpet is met with Dustin May’s agile drumming, and “Covert Ops” follows with Max Schlenk’s colorful sax amid the dreamy winds and strong attention to atmosphere.
Entering the middle, “Men Of Steel” spotlights Clint Bleil’s skilled baritone sax and Zach Warren’s impressive trombone prowess in both gentle and busy bouts, while “Ain’t No Sidekick” benefits from Jordan McBride’s meticulous bass and Chris Coles’ strategic alto sax that suits plenty of melody.
Arriving late in the listen, the alternate take of “Covert Ops” comes with a cinematic delivery that’s unpredictable and stylish, and the alternate take of “Earth-Two” allows for Ben Tweedt’s elegant keys to complement the sophisticated and adventurous songwriting.
There’s 17 players in this orchestra, and that equals a lot of talent that was recorded live, in one take, and it brings us on an eclectic comic book inspired journey that anyone with an interest in jazz will admire.
Travels well with: Stephen Philip Harvey- Live At Radio Artifact; Stephen Philip Harvey- Library Card