Delfeayo Marsalis Uptown Jazz Orchestra
Crescent City Jewels
***and1/2 out of *****
The newest offering from Delfeayo Marsalis' Uptown Jazz Orchestra finds the big band delivering their takes on original tunes and standards as they mix new and old wonderfully throughout Crescent City Jewels. There is a sense of joy flowing through these efforts as Marsalis and company get down, get funky, and stretch out.
The collective play with hard bop, R&B, gospel and of course that classic big band brass sound throughout the record, blending styles and influences effortlessly. The opening original "Sidewalk Sizzle" does just that as the groove gets loose and the horns blare, with alto sax player Aaron Narcisse delivering the goods and kicking off this collection on a high note.
Vocalist Tonya Boyd-Cannon highlights a few offerings including a spin through the 1954 tune "A Sleepin' Bee", a soulful rendition of "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free", the gospel fueled "Valley of Prayers" and the sultry "What A Difference A Day Makes". At times the band and her vocals seem to be slightly at odds, such as on the classic "Summertime" which changes up the music for a bass lead funky bounce, while the vocals stay standard.
However, Boyd-Cannon's singing works perfectly on the band's interpretation of "Basin Street Blues" which tips it's hat to the classic tune, but adds a new crisp feel as well. Boyd-Cannon's aren't the only vocals here though as Kermit Ruffin's delivers a fun version of the New Orleans R&B staple "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" that mixews R&B and jazz wonderfully.
The band really digs in and shines brightest on two cuts that feature guests Branford Marsalis and Victor Campbell. "El Ultimo Cafe" is a slinky Latin fused excursion that pops with marching drums, and Delfeayo's excellent trombone which is played with grace and sweetness. "Inner Urge" is a hard bop whirlwind that finds the big band following Branford's horn and Campbell's keys as the track swirls, solos pop up and the drums keep banging; an exhilarating standout offering.
Delfeayo Marsalis' Uptown Jazz Orchestra's Crescent City Jewels is an ode to Delfeayo's hometown, but spreads it's wings beyond New Orleans borders with fiery playing, big band stylings, heart and soul.
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