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News
CD Review: Cook the Books
Indianapolis Star, February 23, 2005
Jazz Arts Society of Indiana. Reviewed by Indianapolis
Star staff writer Jay Harvey.
3.5 out of 4 stars
Don't let the title mislead you into thinking this is some
sort of jazz tribute to Enron. A band's "book" is
the set of arrangements from which it draws what it plays
in public performances, and "cooking" is jazz slang
for what happens when the music miraculously lifts from the
printed page and warms the atmosphere.
The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra delivers on the title's promise
in this cleverly varied, energetic collection of 14 originals
and standards. Directed by lead trumpeter Jeff Anderson, the
IJO has been active in the area for several years, often playing
themed programs recalling past musical glories in the big-band
format.
Its debut CD takes a different turn, spotlighting the arrangements
it has corralled and the increasing adeptness of its soloists
in a straight-ahead jazz context. Supplementing the instrumental
display are solo vocals by Lydia Clowers (poignantly world-weary
in "Lush Life") and two other members of the Capitolaires
quartet, which has successful outings of its own in "Johnny
One Note" and "Put on a Happy Face" (though
the diction could be better in the Rodgers and Hart song).
Trombonist Ryan Fraley's strongly conceived, extended lyricism
in "When Sunny Gets Blue" ranks it among the outstanding
solos, together with Scott Hobson's whimsical soprano sax
in "If I Only Had a Brain" and Gary Graziano's frisky
trumpeting in "Cohibas" (which relieves the romping
original's slightly lumbering quality).
The ensemble and "the books" deserve plaudits for
"The 'Tooth," with its blend of eccentric swagger
and mockery, and the brass-choralelike bookending of a fervent
"Amazing Grace." The Latin groove imparted to "Body
and Soul" serves it well, and the arrangement builds
convincingly to the sort of grandeur listeners for decades
have turned to big bands for.
Recording quality is generally clear and lifelike, with a
few exceptions: Apart from the drums, the rhythm section occupies
a murky background, especially behind certain solos where
one would like the harmonic support to be firmer. And the
vocals sometimes lack "bloom," sounding closely
miked and somewhat walled off from the band.
• "Cook the Books" sells for about $15 both
online and at several Indianapolis locations: Luna Music stores,
Borders Books & Music in Castleton, Paige's Music and
Indy CD & Vinyl.
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