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Uptown Jazz Tentet: What's Next

By Edward Blanco
November 13, 2020
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New York-based trombonist

Willie Applewhite

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Willie Applewhite birthed the idea of forming a new big band comprised of friends, and in 2016 The Uptown Jazz Tentet was established, co-led by trumpeter

Brandon Lee

trumpet
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Brandon Lee and trombonist

" data-original-title="" title="">James Burton III. After playing to live audiences for several years, What's Next is the group's debut recording, and what an outing it is. Grounded in the traditions of the

Billy Strayhorn

piano
1915 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Strayhorn, Gill Evans,

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington big bands and others, as large ensembles go, these ten players reveal a swing and swagger similar to today's typical 17-piece modern big band producing a muscular sound at every turn.

With arrangements and original compositions from the co-leaders and trumpeter

Tatum Greenblatt

trumpet
b.1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Tatum Greenblatt, the band also provides creative and exciting new renditions of classic standards from the likes of

Milt Jackson

vibraphone
1923 - 1999

" data-original-title="" title="">Milt Jackson,

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter,

Kenny Barron

piano
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Barron and the legendary Duke Ellington. On tap here is the finest of traditional straight-ahead jazz encompassing a variety of styles from true bebop and gentle waltzes to swinging blues.

Opening the set is the Applewhite original "Uptown Bass Hit," a brief burner graced by solos from Applewhite, tenor saxophonist

Jon Irabagon

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Irabagon and bassist Clovis Nichols, delivering a blistering start to what's to come. Lee's original and title track "What's New" is certainly one of the keepers here where the big band sound is in full display featuring pianist

Adam Birnbaum

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Adam Birnbaum.

The first cover tune to take flight is Jackson's bluesy "SKJ," where the rhythm section is as pronounced as the group's heavy section remains in support. The Lee original "Change" is one of the lighter pieces, containing a bit of spice from the group in a piece where the ensemble takes over. The band gets brassy and powerful on Applewhite's "Pursue" featuring saxophonist

Andrew Gutauskas

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew Gutauskas on an unforgettable big band number.

Baritone saxophonist

Carl Maraghi

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Carl Maraghi stars on a wonderful treatment of one of Shorter's most familiar standards with a warm embrace of the classic "Infant Eyes," a sure feature of the album. Ellington's immortal classic "In A Sentimental Mood," comes alive after a soft mellow melody which develops into one mighty big band sound highlighting the horns at the center.

This remarkable session of big band contemporary music comes to an end on the fiery Barron finale "Voyage,' where the band supplies a fair share of heat climaxing the album in sizzling fashion. Well, What's Next can definitely be described as an attention-grabbing musical statement from ten world-class jazz musicians so, it begs the question: what's next from the Uptown Jazz Tentet? If this debut is any indication, one can only imagine the explosive musical moments yet to come.

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Track Listing

Uptown Bass Hit; What's Next; SKJ; Change; Bramblin'; Pursue; Mance's Dance; Infant Eyes; In a Sentimental Mood; Voyage.

Personnel

Uptown Jazz Tentet

band / ensemble / orchestra

Brandon Lee

trumpet

Willie Applewhite

trombone

James Burton III

trombone

Tatum Greenblatt

trumpet

Andrew Gutauskas

saxophone, baritone

Jon Irabagon

saxophone

Carl Maraghi

saxophone, baritone

Adam Birnbaum

piano

Clovis Nicolas

bass

Aaron Kimmel

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Brandon Lee: flugelhorn, co-leader; Willie Applewhite: co-leader; James Burton III: bass trombone, co-leader; Tatum Greenblatt: flugelhorn; Andrew Gutauskas: alto sax, soprano sax, flute; Carl Maraghi: clarinet, bass clarinet.

Album information

Title: What's Next | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Irabbagast Records

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