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Brian Eisenberg Jazz Orchestra: Sense of Gratitude
Leading a contemporary seventeen-piece big band is certainly no easy endeavor but when the cast includes some heavy hitters and veterans of the big band setting, it makes it much easier to lead and this orchestra, obviously has its share of jazz luminaries. Among the personnel performing here are saxophonists
Bob Sheppard
saxophone, tenorb.1952
Alex Budman
fluteb.1973
Brian Scanlon
trumpet
Andy Martin
tromboneb.1960
Larry Koonse
guitar, electric
Christian Jacob
piano
Trey Henry
bassThe album kicks off with a thoroughly modern piece of music on the steller "Something's Awry" featuring sprite solos from Sheppard,
Brandon Fields
saxophoneRon King
trumpet
Joey Sellers
tromboneTrombonist Sellers is featured well on the title track "Sense of Gratitude," as is pianist Jacob and the entire band which showcases its big band chops here on a another marvelous tune. In an obvious reference to the tragic events of 9/11, "September 11th" is a slow-starting almost haunting piece of music conveying well the somber emotions of that event and providing a testament to Eisenberg's skills as a writer.
Band leader Brian Eisenberg writes "the art form of jazz composition burgeoning into the 21st century requires a certain amount of difficulty to be innovative and forward thinking," and in this regard, Sense of Gratitude must have been a struggle to bring into fruition. Nevertheless, this audacious debut has clearly been forged with creativity, innovation and grit owing in part, dare I say it, to the musicianship and "sense of gratitude" to the Brian Eisenberg Jazz Orchestra, well done! ">
Track Listing
Something's Awry; Normal Heights Blues; Arab Spring Part 1: Elegy; Arab Spring Part 2: Revolution; Arab Spring Part 3: Triumph; Sense of Gratitude; September 11th; Free Time; Blackbird.
Personnel
Brian Eisenberg: composer, arranger, conductor; Bob Sheppard: soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, flute, clarinet, piccolo; Alex Budman: soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, flute, clarinet; Brandon Fields: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute; Brian Scanlon: tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute; Adam Schroeder: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Dan Fornero: trumpet, flugelhorn; Michael Stever: trumpet, flugelhorn; Bob O'Donnell: trumpet, flugelhorn; Ron King: trumpet, flugelhorn; Andy Martin: trombone; Joey Sellers: trombone; Erik Hughes: trombone; Steve Hughes: bass trombone, contrabass trombone; Larry Koonse: guitar; Christian Jacob: piano; Trey Henry: bass; Vinnie Colaiuta: drums; Brad Dutz: vibes, percussion.
Album information
Title: Sense of Gratitude | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced
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