San Francisco 1948
Glory, 2025
9/10
The saxophonist Steve Rosenbloom guides his large band through 9 originals that showcase plenty of solos and colorful arrangements.
The lively mood of “Samba For Esther” opens with the bright brass and Eric Harding’s animated keys making for plenty of melody, and “In A Boppish Sort Of Way” follows with Michael Johancsik’s striking tenor sax amid Mike De Masi’s frisky bass.
“Call From The Orient” and “Light And Easy” reside in the middle. The former benefits from Jules Payette’s firm flute playing alongside the soaring brass, while the latter allows for Benjamin Deschamps’ meticulous clarinet to really impress us.
Near the end, “Mexican Holiday” enlists Lex French’s strategic trumpet to help cultivate a really scrappy album highlight, and “Asher’s Song” exits with Rosenbloom’s alto sax front and center to complement the cautious and rich finish.
The musicians in attendance are some of Montreal’s finest, and they help illuminate Rosenbloom’s vision with swingin’ fun, emotive balladry and plenty of Big Band dynamics we won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Bruce Gertz Quintet- Octopus Dreams; Andy Nevala- El Rumbón (The Party)