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Resonance: Introductions

By Edward Blanco
August 9, 2013
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Offering a unique musical experience where the blend of jazz and classical instrumentation comes together quite nicely, Introductions is the sparkling debut of an unusual octet known as Resonance. There are not many groups that mix the standard sounds of the saxophone, drums and bass with string-oriented instruments like cello, viola, violin, and even piccolo. Resonance does exactly that in providing a host of new and exciting reads of jazz standards like

Jimmy Heath

saxophone, tenor
1926 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Heath's "Gemini" and

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington's classic "In A Sentimental Mood," as well as others from

Gil Evans

composer / conductor
1912 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Gil Evans and

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis.

Co-led by pianist

Stephen McQuarry

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Stephen McQuarry and saxophonist Georgina Krieger, the group performs originals from McQuarry as well as creative arrangements of jazz, pop and classical favorites—all presented with an enhanced rhythm/string section producing a rich fusion of music not heard anywhere else. Though they claim being the only jazz ensemble in all of Northern California with this unique instrumentation, there are not many groups offering this exceptional format throughout the country.

The cymbal sounds of drummer

Greg German

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Greg German and bassist

Ted Burik

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Ted Burik's strong lines introduce the Lennon/McCartney pop standard "Eleanor Rigby," kicking off the set in stylish form with both co-leaders providing the meat of this reworked classic. Jazz icon Ellington would be pleased with McQuarry's arrangement of his immortal "In A Sentimental Mood," the pianist's treatment making this standard sound almost new. Much the same can be said of

Clare Fischer

piano
1928 - 2012

" data-original-title="" title="">Clare Fischer's Latin-styled "Gaviota," where the strings and flute take over to apply a distinctly new color to this classic.

Krieger's rough baritone sax and

Michele Walther

violin

" data-original-title="" title="">Michele Walther's flowing violin are highly expressive on an innovative arrangement of the

Gil Evans

composer / conductor
1912 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Gil Evans/

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis medley "Prelude/So What," providing one of this unique recording's many memorable moments. Other outstanding highlights include McQuarry's "The Journey of Each Other," the vocal "Moon and Sand" and the big band-like "See You Next Wednesday," each encompassing gorgeous melodies and meriting repeated spins.

Certainly not a typical jazz outing by any stretch of the imagination, Introductions is much more than a marvelous debut of a musical format sure to resonate throughout the jazz landscape; it's an impressive introduction to Resonance, one of the finest musical collaborations around.

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Track Listing

Eleanor Rigby; Gemini; In A Sentimental Mood; Opus; Gaviota; Prelude / So What; Jupiter; The Journey Of Each Other; Moon and Sand; See You Next Wednesday; Song To John Pt. 1; Song To John Pt. 2.

Personnel

Resonance Jazz Ensemble

band / ensemble / orchestra

Stephen McQuarry: piano; Georgianna Kreiger: saxophones; Nancy Bien: Cello; Ted Burik: bass; Greg German: drums; Michelle Mastin: viola; Michele Walther: violin; Laura Austin Wiley: piccolo, C-flute, alto flute, vocals.

Album information

Title: Introductions | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced

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