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Visions Jazz Ensemble: Across the Field

By Jack Bowers
November 16, 2024
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Here is a unique and intriguing concept: a baker's dozen collegiate anthems and fight songs, trimly recast in contemporary jazz settings by the seven-member Visions Jazz Ensemble, comprised of Indiana University alumni who stride Across the Field with an abundance of proficiency and perception.

Although the hip arrangements by the ensemble's co-leaders, trumpeter

Sam Butler

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Sam Butler and tenor saxophonist

Garrett Fasig

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Garrett Fasig, sometimes turn these largely familiar songs inside out and upside down, every one of them has its own personality and charm, hallmarks that are superbly accentuated by the ensemble's expertise and dedication. Georgia Tech's "Ramblin' Wreck" as a jazz march? Notre Dame's "Victory March" as a waltz? Ohio State's "Across the Field" as a melancholy ballad? Southern Cal's "Fight On" as a groovy blues? "Anchors Aweigh" as straight-ahead swing? "On Wisconsin" as a minor-key burner? It is all there—and more, as the ensemble puts its best foot forward on these and other cornerstones of the collegiate songbook.

Trombonist

Wycliffe Gordon

trombone
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Wycliffe Gordon, an alumnus of Florida A&M University, sits in and solos on the band's colorful tribute to that school, "Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight," co-arranged by Butler and Fasig, who split arranging duties elsewhere. Aside from their awesome charts, Butler and Fasig are avid team players and stellar soloists, as are other members of the ensemble, each of whom has more than one chance to shine. Pianist Dan Ventura is showcased on Ohio State's "Across the Field," trombonist

Jeff Parker

guitar
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Parker on "On Wisconsin." Bassist

Jacob Smith

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Jacob Smith is paired with Fasig on "Anchors Aweigh." And a word or two must be said about the album's sassy NOLA-style opener, "Tiger Rag" (for Louisiana State University).

As noted, a marvelous idea, one the Visions ensemble quickly grasps and makes its own. You need not be a lover of collegiate fight songs or sports of any stripe to appreciate this gracious homage, which is stocked from end to end with lustrous and charming contemporary jazz.

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Track Listing

Tiger Rag; Anchors Aweigh; Indiana, Our Indiana; Rocky Top; Across the Field; Glory, Glory; Hot Time in The Old Town Tonight (feat. Wycliffe Gordon); Fight On; Hail Purdue; The Victors; Ramblin' Wreck; Victory March; On Wisconsin.

Personnel

Sam Butler

trumpet

Garrett Fasig

saxophone, tenor

Nick Recktenwald

trumpet

Dan Ventura

piano

Francis Bassett-Dilley

drums

Wycliffe Gordon

trombone

Additional Instrumentation

Jeff Parker: trombone; Jacob Smith: bass.

Album information

Title: Across the Field | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced

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