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Cory Weeds: Home Cookin'

By Pierre Giroux
November 26, 2023
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Cory Weeds

saxophone, alto
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Cory Weeds, a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, has made a remarkable statement with his Little Big Band's latest album Home Cookin'. The session showcases a vibrant collection of compositions/arrangements carefully curated to resonate with his personal journey, including those by

Horace Silver

piano
1928 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Horace Silver,

Thad Jones

trumpet
1923 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Thad Jones and

Oliver Nelson

saxophone
1932 - 1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Oliver Nelson, which are essential to him for a variety of reasons. The band comprises ten of his favorite world-class Vancouver, BC-based musicians.

These previously mentioned influential tracks have been ingeniously adapted to harmonize flawlessly within the intimate framework of the little big band format, beginning with Horace Silver's composition and title track, "Home Cookin." This stylish swinger arranged by Jill Townsend touches all the bases with subtly illustrated music driven by tight ensemble playing interspersed with solid solos from Weeds on tenor sax and

Steve Kaldestad

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Kaldestad alto sax. The other Silver original is "Metamorphosis," on which Townsend has again developed an engaging harmonic chart that shows an understanding of the intricacies of Silver's style, propelled by the drumming of

Jesse Cahill

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Jesse Cahill. Weeds and Kaldestad are the principal go-to soloists, with baritone saxophonist

Dave Say

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Say coming along, stuffing his notes with weight and force.

Bill Weeds (Cory's father) wrote the composition "Corner Kisses," and it is a burner with the chart by

Bill Coon

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Coon. Weeds again shows he is an audacious saxophonist, with pianist

Chris Gestrin

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Gestrin exhibiting resourcefulness in his solo. "Power Station," composed and arranged by pianist Micheal Weiss, is a bouncy number that seems to fit perfectly with a small band as it has an engaging contemporary flair. Both Weeds and Gestrin fill the solo space with new angles of engagement. Thad Jones' composition is entitled "Thedia," and it comes to life with a chart by Bill Coons and Jill Townsend, adding extra depth to the album. Weeds uses the occasion to demonstrate his versatility and his ability to integrate his tenor voice into the little big band sound.

The closer is "Lullaby of the Leaves," arranged initially by Oliver Nelson but adapted and transcribed for the band by Fred Stride. In this wonderfully crafted arrangement, Weeds is out front, flexing his powers and a bustling declaratory spirit. Gestrin's interjection shows he is a compatible and estimable pianist. The album is a testament to the talent of Cory Weeds and his Little Big Band.

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Track Listing

Home Cookin'; Corner Kisses; Blossoms in May; Power Station; Thedia; Lullaby of the Leaves; Metamorphosis.

Personnel

Cory Weeds

saxophone, alto

Chris Gestrin

piano

John Lee Hooker

guitar

Jesse Cahill

drums

Steve Kaldestad

saxophone, tenor

James Danderfer

clarinet

Dave Say

saxophone, tenor

Brian Harding

trombone

Jim Hopson

trombone

Brad Turner

trumpet

Chris Davis

drums

Album information

Title: Home Cookin' | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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