Bluegrass
MCG, 2025
9/10
The always exciting WDR Big Band bridge 2 musical genres into this exceptional and involved effort where all 9 tracks are nothing short of impressive.
The animated and roaring “Slip And Slide” opens with Karolina Strassmayer’s swift sax and Mike Marshall’s precise mandolin adding much fluidity to the upbeat delivery, and “Elzic’s Farewell/Yew Piney Mountain” follows with Johan Horlen’s lively sax and Ruud Breuis’ rich trumpet emitting much color.
In the middle, “Green Lawn” benefits much from Bob Mintzer’s tenor sax and Darol Anger’s meticulous violin that won’t go unnoticed, while “Emy In The Woods”, one of the album’s best, balances melody and harmonics with incredible attention to detail.
Close to the end, “Dexter”, Billy Test’s quick keys mesh well with the frisky brass and winds, and “Borealis” exits with Mike Marshall’s emotive guitar amid soft ideas and dreaminess that’s heartfelt.
An adventurous body of work that injects bluegrass nods into large orchestral jazz, WDR make for an exceptional and memorable fusion affair.
Travels well with: 3 Cohens/WDR Big Band- Interaction; The Haas Company/Samuel Hällkvist- Song For Mimi