Storybook: The Music Of Mark Miller
Birdland, 2025
9/10
Listen to Storybook: The Music Of Mark Miller
The 16 piece jazz orchestra The Birdland Big Band continue the traditions of Count Basie and Thad Jones, as they illuminate the vision of their trombonist, Mark Miller, with these 11 tracks.
The title track opens with Brandon Lee’s animated trumpet and Nathan Childers’ rich alto sax helping make for a layered climate, and “Water Lily” follows with a swift pace via Kenny Ascher’s meticulous keys and Troy Roberts’ elegant tenor sax.
Halfway through, “Sail Away” offers a heartfelt moment thanks to Glenn Drewes’ well timed flugelhorn and Dave Dejesus’ intimate soprano sax, while “WTF” makes great use of Sam Dillon’s tenor sax prowess and Chris Smith’s drumming acrobatics.
Arriving later in the listen, “Spain”, by Chick Corea, benefits from a lively rhythm section and radiant brass for the album’s best, and “Nonsense” exits with Nicole Zuraitis’ soulful voice that’s complemented by Ron Wilkins’ lively trombone.
A record that was probably as much fun to make as it is to listen to, the band swing hard with plenty of color, rhythm and personality for this Big Band adventure.
Travels well with: Paul Litteral- The Litteral Truth; Pete Mills- For The Record