The SNJO recorded these seven modern jazz classics in New York last year, during their first North American tour since being founded in 1995 by saxophonist Tommy Smith. The 14-piece orchestra’s rock solid rhythms, tight phrasing and subtle complexities have long shown the advantages of a permanent personnel.
Here they sensitively interpret new arrangements and gain heft from such heavyweight guests as warmhearted and on-form vocalist Kurt Elling, trumpeter Randy Brecker gently reading John Coltrane’s “Dear Lord” and guitarist Mike Stern rampaging on Marcus Miller’s “Splatch”.
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra
American Adventure
(Spartacus Records)
