Scenery In My Story
Outside In, 2025
8/10
On this first Big Band effort from the esteemed composer Zhengtao Pan, he pens a collage of sounds that are rooted in his very adventurous life.
The sophisticated “Windy Days” starts the listen with rich sax and soulful brass that invites frisky drumming, and “Hometown” follows with a gentle climate of emotive trombone and colorful keys.
Arriving in the middle, the animated “It Could Happen To You” offers a festive moment of busy instrumentation, while “Liar” is a rhythmic and playful album highlight that welcomes Benny Benack III’ swift singing.
Close to the end, “Nightfall Over Shanghai” allows for Chen Wang Men Di’ fluid guitar and Noah Justice’s well timed bass to complement the textured brass, and the title track exits with meticulous keys, intricate rhythm section and waves of brass and winds that make an indelible impression.
An effort that surrounds Pan’s move from Shanghai to Boston, the storytelling unfolds with technical, timeless and exciting Big Band ideas that few others could replicate.