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The Shadowgraph Series: Compositions for Creative Orchestra by George Lewis & The NOW Orchestra
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fave it Free Jazz
6 tracks | 63 minutes
Released Jul 2006
on Spool
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- sample lyrics "album only" 13:17 Hello/Goodbye lyrics "album only" 13:17 Hello/Goodbye lyrics "album only" 13:17 Hello/Goodbye
- sample lyrics "album only" 09:09 Shadowgraph 1 lyrics "album only" 09:09 Shadowgraph 1 lyrics "album only" 09:09 Shadowgraph 1
- sample lyrics "album only" 10:47 Shadowgraph 2 lyrics "album only" 10:47 Shadowgraph 2 lyrics "album only" 10:47 Shadowgraph 2
- sample lyrics "album only" 08:21 Shadowgraph 3 lyrics "album only" 08:21 Shadowgraph 3 lyrics "album only" 08:21 Shadowgraph 3
- sample lyrics "album only" 07:12 Shadowgraph 5 lyrics "album only" 07:12 Shadowgraph 5 lyrics "album only" 07:12 Shadowgraph 5
- sample lyrics "album only" 15:08 Smashing Clusters lyrics "album only" 15:08 Smashing Clusters lyrics "album only" 15:08 Smashing Clusters
Jazz orchestration
Editorial review
By the time of this recording, the Canadian-based NOW Orchestra had established itself as perhaps the leading (and one of the few) free-style jazz-oriented large groups in North America. Boasting some exceptional talent, such as pianist Paul Plimley, cellist Peggy Lee, and trumpeter Rob Blakeslee, the Orchestra combines an affinity for sophisticated compositions with its propensity to work with acclaimed guest musicians. This is the orchestra's third recording with trombonist George Lewis, whose extraordinary improvisational skills place him in a singular category of world-class soloists. All of the pieces on this recording were written by Lewis, who once again shows himself to be a sophisticated and wide-ranging writer, incorporating a plethora of influences from swing to avant-garde jazz and even postmodern classical music. Lewis conducts his largely complex compositions and also solos convincingly on three of the tracks. While it easy to prefer some of {Lewis}' acclaimed small group recordings to his big-band works, there are still numerous joys to be found here -- partially due to some of the surprisingly impressive improvisations from the Orchestra's lesser-known members such as saxophonist Coat Cooke and trombonist Ralph Eppel (who has at least partially absorbed Lewis' unique vibrato and style). Occasionally, Lewis' writing gets bogged down in over-sophistication, but when he is in top form, as on his edifying "Smashing Clusters," fireworks explode as he seamlessly blends composition and improvisation. ~ Steven Loewy, All Music Guide
Bio / Background
George E. Lewis, trombone
The NOW Orchestra:
Coat Cooke, baritone & alto saxophone, clarinet, flute
Bruce Freedman, soprano saxophone
Graham Ord, tenor and alto saxophone, flute, piccolo
Saul Berson, alto saxophone, clarinet, flute
John Korsrud, trumpet
Rob Blakeslee, trumpet, flugelhorn
Brad Muirhead, bass trombone, tuba
Ralph Eppel, trombone
Peggy Lee, cello
Ron Samworth, guitar, electronics
Clyde Reed, contrabass
Paul Blaney, contrabass, electric bass
Paul Plimley, piano
Kate Hammett Vaughan, voice
Dylan van der Schyff, drums
What the critics are saying:
Six long tracks illuminate the fertile mind of cutting-edge trombonist George Lewis, who grazes avant-garde territory as he roars and rumbles in the company of Vancouver's NOW troops -- 14 strong and abetted here by the spooky voice of Kate Hammett-Vaughan. ...
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