Vinyl Brews
JC Gardner, 2024
8/10
A live album from the Philadelphia outfit Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Jon C. Gardner we’re treated to 9 tracks of Big Band fun.
The festive “Dinero de Sangré” opens with Dan Hanrahan’s fluid guitar and Sean J. Kennedy’s flowing drums complementing the soaring brass, and “By The Stoney Creek” follows with Jacob Kaplan’s playful alto sax and Michael Cruse’s animated trumpet adding much color to the climate.
Arriving in the middle, “Walking On Clouds” is a stylish moment where Jordan Graef’s tenor sax prowess won’t go unnoticed, while “Meh… It Happens” recruits both intimacy and playfulness via the cautious winds and layered brass.
The last 3 tracks are alternate takes, where “The Golden OG” recruits Seth Dowdell’s well timed trombone and Jack Ozment precise piano, and “Walking On Clouds” showcases Andrew Esch’s strategic trumpet amid much rhythm and melody.
The tunes are inspired by award winning beers from the Von C. Brewing Company in Norristown, PA, and it makes for a frisky journey of swing, funk and Latin sensibilities that anyone with an ear for Big Band will enjoy.
Travels well with: Neil Adler- Emi’s Song; Andy Ezrin- I Was Here