Westchester Jazz Orchestra / Sandvika Storband / Band of Bones

By JACK BOWERS,

The heavy-hitting Westchester Jazz Orchestra, one of whose ambitions under artistic director Mike Holober is to broaden its musical horizons, devotes its second album to renovating for a sixteen-member ensemble the music of pianist Herbie Hancock's classic recording Maiden Voyage (Blue Note, 1964). The resulting nine-part suite, with arrangements by Holober, Pete McGuinness and WJO stalwarts Jay Brandford and Tony Kadleck, gives Hancock's themes their due as it adds the color and excitement that only a big band can provide.

The orchestra's strength lies in its collective experience and individual brilliance, which together leave no doubt that Hancock's masterwork is in the best of hands. The ensemble is sharp and resourceful, the soloists no less so on a series of engaging tone poems that are preceded, intersected and followed, respectively, by a Prologue, Interlude and Epilogue, all tastefully arranged by Holober. The tranquil "Prologue" leads to McGuinness' attentive treatment of "Maiden Voyage," whose well-known melody paves the way for crisp solos courtesy of David Brandom's nimble soprano saxophone and Marvin Stamm's seductive flugelhorn. Stamm returns, this time on trumpet, with tenor Jason Rigby to brave the turbulent "Eye of the Hurricane." Brandford arranged the decorous "Little One," on which he shares blowing space with trombonist Larry Farrell and bassist Harvie S.

The ensemble shifts into high gear for "Survival of the Fittest," Parts 1 and 2, the first of which showcases trumpeter Jim Rotondi and pianist Ted Rosenthal, the second Rotondi and Rigby in a series of heated duels that may produce no winner but enkindle plenty of fireworks. "Dolphin Dance," one of Hancock's most captivating melodies, presages the evocative Epilogue, with perceptive statements on the former by Rotondi, Rosenthal and tenor Ralph Lalama, on the latter by Rigby and Rotondi. The WJO's enterprising rhythm section is securely anchored by drummer Andy Watson.

Those who are familiar with Maiden Voyage should be delighted to envision Hancock's magnum opus in a splendid new wardrobe, while for those who aren't, the Maiden Voyage Suite provides a splendid introduction to a jazz touchstone that has stood the test of time. - http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=40712