There were times (on “Love for Sale” or Monk’s “Well You Needn’t,” for example) when I could almost swear I was hearing a recent Bill Holman chart, while parts of “Oregon Coast Sketches” (particularly the first movement) brought to mind another outstanding West Coast composer/arranger, Bob Florence (with echoes of the great Stan Kenton band as well). The ensemble’s baritone saxophonist contributed nine charts and three compositions (the picturesque “Oregon Coast Sketches”), and every one glistens like newly minted gold. And speaking of charts, any first–class big band sounds even more inspiring with an expert arranger at its beck and call, and the Emerald City Orchestra assuredly has one in Matso Limtiaco. Above all, everyone plays with conspicuous fire and enthusiasm, diving earnestly into every chart as if it were the last one they’d ever encounter. Section work is immaculate, soloists are superb, and the rhythm section simply kicks ass. What matters most is what the band brings to the table, and Emerald City offers as deliciously appealing a banquet for the ears as one could possibly envision. No, they’re not from Oz the Seattle, Washington, area actually. Few contemporary ensembles have impressed me as much as Hawk–Richard - but here’s one that has, the Emerald City Jazz Orchestra led by trumpeter Kevin Seeley. A few months ago I sang widely the praises of the Hawk–Richard Jazz Orchestra, a company of relative unknowns from Texas who made a dream come true by producing one of the more colorful and exciting big–band discs of ’98.
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