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  | SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ SWEET SISTER SUITE
SPARTACUS 026 (Barcode: 880992150637) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is a criminally little known British Jazz gem, an eight-parts suite composed and arranged by the brilliant Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, commissioned in 1996 by the Scottish National Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (SNJOFind albums by this artist) directed by saxophonist / composer Tommy SmithFind albums by this artist. The suite was recorded only in 2017, three years after Wheeler’s departure, by the seventeen members of the SNJO and two guest soloists: trumpeter Laura JurdFind albums by this artist and Greek vocalist Irini ArabatziFind albums by this artist.
The music is absolutely stunning, as expected, a classic Wheeler piece of Art and a brilliant example of his extended orchestral works. Performed splendidly by the SNJO members and the two guests, the music flows flawlessly between the suite parts, always perfectly balanced and elegant. This album adds yet another splendid piece of Wheeler’s composed works to the long list of his orchestral Jazz masterpieces. The wonderful touch of adding vocalese to the Big Band arrangements, which in many cases were executed by the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, are superbly done here by the young Arabatzi, who is definitely worth keeping an eye (well, ear) on. The trumpet soli by Jurd are also excellent, and bear a certain nostalgic similarity to Wheeler’s tone. She is also definitely worth following.
Overall, this album is a must to all British Jazz lovers, Kenny Wheeler fans and orchestral Jazz enthusiasts, offering some of the absolutely stunning modern British Jazz out there. The fact that this music was recorded over twenty years after Wheeler submitted it to the SNJO, is a sad reminder of twisted fate of British Jazz, but “better late than never” is perfectly right in this case, as it would have been criminal for this music to disappear unrecorded. Grab a copy while they last!
| | Updated: 11/02/2023Posted: 11/02/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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