Intricate arrangements and big and bold orchestrations, featuring saxophonist Richie Cole, characterize this six piece mixed group's sound, a pleasing mix of old and new jazz influences. The sound is suggestive of the Singers Unlimited in terms of complexity, though on 'Waltz For Debby' and the tour-de-force (written by Clare Fischer) 'The Quiet Side,' the richness of the voicings invites comparisons to the Real Group. Speaking of 'The Quiet Side,' it is a seven minute exploration of form and tonality that begins a cappella, segues into a mid-tempo accompanied section that escalates in intensity using scat as it's medium, through an ascending sequence that descends again to the original introduction. 'Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars' takes a vocal percussion idea which then evolves into a sultry duet with shimmering backups, 'C'est Si Bon' is a throaty and suggestive interplay between voice and flugelhorn, with the horn part equal in importance to the arrangement. 'Johnny One Note' is the Gene Puerling arrangement. A highly enjoyable and accomplished collection. |