Polytonal Big Band: The Snake Charmer

Don't let the "polytonal" name fool you, this is a nice and pretty traditional big band with some extra-expressive soloing (that's part of the "polytonal" ingredient,) playing very nice and well-conceived charts. Most of the compositions and arrangements are by trumpeter Brad Goode and they run the gamut from inside and swingin' to slightly funky. Goode's arranging approach is where more of the polytonal aspect of the band enters, but it isn't as "out" as the moniker might imply. Goode has assembled a very capable band, with some nice
soloists, but it is Goode who is the prime soloist. The rhythm section and drummer Paul Romaine play the charts very well, this sounds like a well-rehearsed and tight band. Romaine breaks thing up a bit on "The Snake Charmer," and plays some nice brushes on a few tunes. "Pentacles" is funkier, and Romaine drives this tune nicely. The drums could be too overbearing on a song like "Cabin in the Sky" but Romaine low-keys it to perfection. His light touched propulsion works well on "Hypnotic Suggestion" too. The arrangement of "I Can't Forget About You" is simply beautiful. This is a nice big band, and a nice recording.

Congrats to Goode for his arranging experimentation, although the casual listener might not hear it as experimentation (which is good.) And congrats to a rhythm section that supports the arrangements and the music perfectly.