So Many Memories
Turtle Bay, 2025
9/10
The Grammy winner Loren Schoenberg brings his orchestra to 16 tracks of previously unheard arrangements from 1936-1939 by the swing era composer Eddie Sauter
The bright and busy “Azure” opens with Warren Wolf’s mesmerizing xylophone alongside the cozy clarinets of the soothing climate, and “Nice Work If You Can Get It” follows with Matt Lee’s frisky drums that suit the playful saxophones.
“September In The Rain” arrives later on and showcases Kate Kortum’s elegant pipes amid Schoenberg’s dreamy keys, while “I Can Dream, Can’t I” benefits from John Murray’s skilled bass alongside the layered winds and brass.
Close to the end, the retro-spirit of “Roses In December” comes with an infectious energy, and “After You’ve Gone” exits with the clarinets weaving around the scrappy rhythm section and plenty of swingin’ charm.
A nostalgic effort that touches on soulful and ballad moments, too, Schoenberg and company transport us back many decades for a really fun and timeless experience.
Travels well with: Ira B. Liss Big Bang Machine- Unexpected Guests; The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band- Live At Birdland