MUSIC REVIEW BY Thierry de Clemensat, Paris-Move
Ben Markley's Latest Big Band Album: A Journey Through Tradition, Innovation, and Pure Musical Genius
Few contemporary jazz pianists have so deftly bridged tradition and innovation as Ben Markley, whose latest big band album stands as a masterclass in orchestration and imagination. For those familiar with his work, Markley's passion for large ensembles and his genius in arranging for them has long been evident. He first gained widespread attention by reimagining Cedar Walton's compositions for big band, and more recently, he transformed the music of Ari Hoenig, each time creating an astonishing depth and resonance. With Markley, no detail is incidental: from the intricacies of the drum parts to the artful management of the brass section' arguably his signature, everything is meticulously calibrated, yielding a precision that is both dazzling and emotionally compelling.
On this new release, Markley decisively asserts his own musical identity, offering seven original compositions alongside inventive new arrangements of Thelonious Monk and Cedar Walton. The album is infused with the unmistakable spirit of OA2 Records, a label known for pushing jazz projects beyond conventional boundaries. Here, Markley cleverly evokes the postwar big band tradition while weaving in contemporary touches through dynamic instrumental solos. As DownBeat magazine observed, the album features "...classic big band sonorities, a refreshing approach to the genre, brimming with expert arrangements and highly complex solos..." It is music that is at once scholarly and thrilling, theatrical and deeply human.
The album unfolds like a narrative. Opening with "Tell the Truth," listeners are led on a journey through compositions full of surprising turns, each track revealing the talent and inspiration of the ensemble. Markley's international presence as a composer and arranger is well established; his big band and vocal jazz works are published by UNC Jazz Press and on his own website. They have been performed by ensembles across the United States, with recent commissions for the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the Wyoming Jazz Educators All-State Jazz Band.
This project is also a testament to the collaborative spirit of the big band format. Many composers on Origin Records are educators, reflecting a deep commitment to transmission and mentorship. Markley's ensemble draws on long-standing collaborators from the Front Range scene, as well as internationally acclaimed guest artists, including Terell Stafford, Steve Nelson, Steve Davis, Bijon Watson, and David Wong. Their presence lends the ensemble a distinctive blend of energy, nuance, and sonic depth, at times evoking the spirit of New Orleans. This is music for travelers, meant to transport, to inspire, to awaken the imagination.
Arguably, this is Markley's most personal album to date. Past experiences have allowed him to evolve and continually renew his approach, culminating in a work that is at once precise and playful. The solos are a marvel: each instrumental contribution is synchronized to the big band's pulse with Swiss-watch precision, delivering both technical mastery and emotional resonance. One can only imagine how breathtaking these pieces must sound in a live performance, where the interplay of rhythm and harmony would feel immediate and electric.
For aficionados of big band music, intricate arrangements, and the sheer thrill of masterful musicianship, this album is destined to take a permanent place in the collection. It invites listeners not just to hear but to experience, to share, and to celebrate the artistry of one of contemporary jazz's most thoughtful and daring voices. As the music flows, each note tells a story, each solo becomes a journey, and by the end, the listener is left both exhilarated and moved.
Few contemporary jazz pianists have so deftly bridged tradition and innovation as Ben Markley, whose latest big band album stands as a masterclass in orchestration and imagination. For those familiar with his work, Markley's passion for large ensembles and his genius in arranging for them has long been evident. He first gained widespread attention by reimagining Cedar Walton's compositions for big band, and more recently, he transformed the music of Ari Hoenig, each time creating an astonishing depth and resonance. With Markley, no detail is incidental: from the intricacies of the drum parts to the artful management of the brass section' arguably his signature, everything is meticulously calibrated, yielding a precision that is both dazzling and emotionally compelling.
On this new release, Markley decisively asserts his own musical identity, offering seven original compositions alongside inventive new arrangements of Thelonious Monk and Cedar Walton. The album is infused with the unmistakable spirit of OA2 Records, a label known for pushing jazz projects beyond conventional boundaries. Here, Markley cleverly evokes the postwar big band tradition while weaving in contemporary touches through dynamic instrumental solos. As DownBeat magazine observed, the album features "...classic big band sonorities, a refreshing approach to the genre, brimming with expert arrangements and highly complex solos..." It is music that is at once scholarly and thrilling, theatrical and deeply human.
The album unfolds like a narrative. Opening with "Tell the Truth," listeners are led on a journey through compositions full of surprising turns, each track revealing the talent and inspiration of the ensemble. Markley's international presence as a composer and arranger is well established; his big band and vocal jazz works are published by UNC Jazz Press and on his own website. They have been performed by ensembles across the United States, with recent commissions for the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the Wyoming Jazz Educators All-State Jazz Band.
This project is also a testament to the collaborative spirit of the big band format. Many composers on Origin Records are educators, reflecting a deep commitment to transmission and mentorship. Markley's ensemble draws on long-standing collaborators from the Front Range scene, as well as internationally acclaimed guest artists, including Terell Stafford, Steve Nelson, Steve Davis, Bijon Watson, and David Wong. Their presence lends the ensemble a distinctive blend of energy, nuance, and sonic depth, at times evoking the spirit of New Orleans. This is music for travelers, meant to transport, to inspire, to awaken the imagination.
Arguably, this is Markley's most personal album to date. Past experiences have allowed him to evolve and continually renew his approach, culminating in a work that is at once precise and playful. The solos are a marvel: each instrumental contribution is synchronized to the big band's pulse with Swiss-watch precision, delivering both technical mastery and emotional resonance. One can only imagine how breathtaking these pieces must sound in a live performance, where the interplay of rhythm and harmony would feel immediate and electric.
For aficionados of big band music, intricate arrangements, and the sheer thrill of masterful musicianship, this album is destined to take a permanent place in the collection. It invites listeners not just to hear but to experience, to share, and to celebrate the artistry of one of contemporary jazz's most thoughtful and daring voices. As the music flows, each note tells a story, each solo becomes a journey, and by the end, the listener is left both exhilarated and moved.