Pictures At An Exhibition
Clavo, 2021
9/10
Listen to Pictures At An Exhibition
The esteemed composer/arranger/composer Brent Fischer brings his inimitable orchestra to jazz, pop and symphonic sounds here that flow with dexterity, timelessness and much variety.
“Promenade” starts the listen with warm strings, spirited guitar work and flowing brass working together with much melody and grace, and this dynamic interaction continues to the low rumbling and cautious winds as Scott Whitfield contributes a soulful trombone solo, as well as the tumbling drums of “Castle”, where a small army of horns are present on the flowing beauty.
In the middle, the bouncy “Garden” recruits plenty of grooves amid the jumpy keys, while “Landscape” displays soaring clarinet alongside Brian Clancy’s tenor saxophone prowess. “Chicks” then bops with a frisky energy that showcases 4 clarinets, soprano sax and contrabassoon.
“Bazaar” lands close to the end, and meshes piccolo, alto flute, contrabass clarinet and trumpet into a lively and infectious landscape, and “Castle On Another World” exits the listen with Alex Budman’s meticulous flute and Mike Stever’s trumpet, which won’t go unnoticed, nor will Kirsten Edkins’ alto saxophone solo.
This is actually an interpretation of Modest Mussorgsky’s work, and the 22 piece big band ensemble put their rich, unpredictable and diverse spin on the classic with incredible attention to detail, effectively putting new life into the nearly 150 year old compositions.
Travels well with: Lucasz Pawlik- Long-Distance Connections; Porterfield- Rome