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Millennium Jazz Orchestra: Safety Zone

By Jack Bowers
October 16, 2014
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With the release of its eighth album, Safety Zone, the Millennium Jazz Orchestra from the Netherlands marks its twenty-fifth year under the astute guidance of composer / arranger Joan Reinders who formed the band in 1989 and recorded for the first time two years later. As interesting as the orchestra's growth as a unit has been during that span, Reinders' development as a composer / arranger is even more so. Based on what he has produced here, one impression that arises is that Reinders seems to have been listening closely to

Bob Brookmeyer

trombone
1929 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Brookmeyer,

Thad Jones

trumpet
1923 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Thad Jones and other modernists—a good thing, by the way—as a result of which his themes and charts, which continue to swing with gusto, are weightier and more persuasive than ever.

The bracing opener, "V.W.," was clearly written as a showcase for the splendid tenor saxophonist Volker Winck who is also featured on Track 2, "The House Code." In fact, lone soloists are front and center on the first half-dozen of the album's seven tracks. The others are trombonist Vincent Veneman (Jones' wistful ballad "A Child Is Born"), alto Gerlo Hesselink ("Safety Zone"), flugel Jan-Willem Te Kiefte (the Don Raye / Gene DePaul standard "You Don't Know What Love Is") and pianist Dirk Balthaus ("Mikro Amoudi"). The only number wherein more than one soloist steps forward is the high-powered finale, "Balanced Battle" (more reminiscent of

Ernie Wilkins

arranger
1922 - 1999

" data-original-title="" title="">Ernie Wilkins than Brookmeyer or Jones), on which Balthaus, Hesselink, Winck and baritone Job Helmers share blowing space.

The orchestra is sure-handed and secure throughout, with special kudos for the saxophones and (muted) trumpets on "Battle." The rhythm section, firmly anchored by drummer

Felix Schlarmann

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Felix Schlarmann, lends taut and unflagging support. Brookmeyer's impact is perceptible again on the buoyant, brass-infused "Safety Zone," on which Hesselink bares his impressive chops, while Te Kiefte's sensuous flugel enhances "You Don't Know What Love Is" and Balthaus' lissome piano tempers the minor-key tone poem "Mikro Amoudi." The MJO is a world-class ensemble with charts to match by Reinders who deserves unconditional applause for his remarkable leadership and perseverance. Would twenty-five more years be asking too much?

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Track Listing

V.W.; The House Code; A Child Is Born; Safety Zone; You Don��t Know What Love Is; Mikro Amoudi; Balanced Battle.

Personnel

Joan Reinders

composer / conductor

Joan Reinders: composer, arranger, conductor; Rini Swinkels: trumpet, flugelhorn; Sander Zweerink: trumpet, flugelhorn; Peter Van Soest: trumpet, flugelhorn (2-4, 7); Bert Fransen: trumpet, flugelhorn; Herman Nijkamp: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jan-Willem Te Kiefte: trumpet, flugelhorn; Gerlo Hesselink: alto, soprano sax, flute; Gerard Grobben: alto, soprano sax, clarinet; Volker Winck: tenor, soprano sax, flute; Martin Van Der Horst: tenor sax, clarinet; Job Helmers: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Vincent Veneman: trombone; Henri Gerrits: trombone; Jochen Niehaves: trombone; Hans Schippers: bass trombone, tuba; Dirk Balthaus: piano; Bart Tarenskeen: bass; Felix Schlarmann: drums.

Album information

Title: Safety Zone | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Self Produced

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