Islands
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The composer and arranger Dan Bonsanti aligns himself with the always impressive 14 Jazz Orchestra for these swinging, modern jazz tracks that don’t shy away from fusion ideas.
“Man From Tanganyika” opens the listen with bright flutes and Dennis Marks’ animated acoustic bass being complemented by Peter Erskine’s fluid drums, and “Islands” follows with Tim Smith’s lively electric bass amid Dante Luciani’s soulful and playful trombone for the cultured climate.
Deeper into the listen, “Carmencita” benefits much from Mike Levine’s skilled piano and Nicky Orta’s electric bass prowess for the stylish delivery, while “Jitterbug Waltz” places Mike Harvey on drums and Lindsey Blair on guitar for the frisky yet intimate landscape.
Close to the end, the dreamy “Some Other Time” features Jamie Ousley on acoustic bass alongside the rich flutes for a lush album highlight, and “When She Loved Me” exits with Randy Bernsen’s meticulous guitar and Mark Egan’s electric bass for the thoughtful, heartfelt finish.
A listen where each track is as good as the one before it, Bonsanti and company make for a very fun 4th effort that’s as colorful as it is textured.
Travels well with: Dan Bonsanti And The 14 Jazz Orchestra- Cartoon Bebop; The Harry Allen Orchestra- With Roses