Portraits and Places

Displaying the glitter of big band music and the fast-paced rhythms of swing, the Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra has the ingredients for creating party bashes done with class and pizzazz on their recording, Portraits and Places. The big sound emanating from the fleet of horns is intensifying, making the music jump out of its listening apparatus. The music engulfs listeners in its pulsating raptures and glistening textures, making for music that stirs excitement and the impulse to experience fun.

The feathered saxophone toots of "Osaka June" are draped in whipping horns which recede, making space for the shimmery gilding of the piano keys. Sonically pleasing, the track is imbued with a classic jazz vibe while steeply entrenched in modern jazz mechanics. Looking to the principles of vintage swing, the songs are fashioned from a present-day state of mind as the fluttering wails of the saxophone along "Aquas De Marco" resounds a Latin accent in the rhythmic pattern, and the horns leap with agile fingers guiding them.

Every note is thought-out and placed precisely to create a mellifluous sound flowing with smooth fluidity. The upbeat rhythm of the bass, drums and horns along "L & T Suite (Movement 1: Wants to D)" has a magnetic feel, attracting listeners with its positively charged sparks. The dialog which the horns form along the track is alive with energy and spirit. The orchestra slows down to a cool simmering coast along "L & T (Movement 2: A Trombone)," resembling the sensual, earthy texture of Eden Ahbez's "Nature Boy."

"L & T (Movement 3: Hip Kitty)" finds the orchestra returning to its original cheerful form with an upbeat tempo and freely prancing keys. "Last Call" softens the pace to a cozy strut as the horns lengthen, sputter and recoil brusquely while the rhythm section plays a cool jazz thumping, and the quick step tempo of "3 n 2" has all the glitter and panache of the Big Band Era. The fluttering and flailing of the horns are joined by toe-tapping drumbeats and bopping bass pulls as the SRJO enmeshes itself in this number.

The Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra shows they give it their all in the renderings of these tunes. It's a 100% pure big band jazz. The tunes are rife with celebration and spirit, leaving listeners feeling the joy.