Two Takes Vol. 2: Big Band
Anzic, 2022
8/10
Listen to Two Takes Vol. 2: Big Band
The esteemed drummer Jared Schonig heads up an impressive outing here, where plenty of help on reeds, brass, guitar, piano and bass complement his diverse and timeless version of modern jazz.
“Sabotage” opens the listen with a rhythmic and busy display of flowing brass, lively drumming and fluid reeds that benefits much from Brian Pareshi’s trumpet solo, and “White Out” follows with a frisky energy that’s a bit quirky and showcases Troy Roberts’ reed prowess and Scott Wendholt’s warm trumpet.
“Sound Evidence” occupies the middle spot, and features Marshall Gilkes’ soulful trombone and Nir Felder’s agile guitar in the reflective climate, while “Tig Mack” is a more intimate execution of hypnotic drumming, dreamy winds and Felder’s meticulous guitar in the dreamy highlight.
Close to the end, “Eight Twenty” illuminates David Cook’s glorious piano playing and Jon Gordon’s skilled reed manipulation in the superbly layered climate, and “Gibbs St.” exits with Ike Sturm’s strategic bass and Donny McCaslin’s impressive reed attention.
A listen that weaves in and out of rhythmic, melodic and harmonica areas of mass appeal, Schonig and company make for a splendid and charming experience for the jazz inclined.
Travels well with: Joel Frahm- The Bright Side; Troy Roberts- Nu-Jive: Nations United