Sides
Alternate Sides, 2023
8/10
The trumpet extraordinaire Tony Kadleck brings along a giant cast of players for these 9 arrangements of his favorite songs in a big band setting that are packed with talent, experience and a whole lot of energy.
“Driftin” starts the listen with much liveliness, as bright horns and frisky drumming are met with calm keys and bouncy bass, and “Recorda-Me” follows with much elegance and warmth from the soulful brass and fluid guitar playing that emits much culture.
Further along, “Use Me” brings a bit of mystery to the dynamic formula that’s cinematic and unpredictable and makes great use of the dreamy flutes, while “Dolphine Dance” is a thick and buzzing album highlight that’s lush and powerful.
Close to the end, “One For Tom” dances with an infectious pulse of rhythm and grooves, and “Can’t Buy Me Love” puts a very fun twist on the classic with stunning sax solos, animated bass plucking and rousing drumming.
You may have heard these songs before, but they’ve never sounded like this, as Kadleck and company inject jazz and swing sensibilities in technical, fluent and exciting ways.
Travels well with: Emilio Teubal- Futuro; Nicholas Brust- Daybreak