Search - Glenn Alexander :: Oria

Mellow jazz rich with content

Mama Cat | New York City | 02/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Oria" is one of those rare mellow jazz albums that is so rich with content that it can be played again and again and sound new and captivating every time. Glenn Alexander's lyrical, sophisticated melodies are the main reason, and he supports his considerable compositional craft with arrangements that are inspired.Alexander is known as a jazz guitarist's guitarist, so be advised -- this is no display of chops for chops' sake. The music is served here, not the artists' egos. On some cuts Alexander is backed up by the noted percussionist Manolo Badrena and, on reeds, Bob Magnuson, among other solid musicians. All play beautifully. An unusual feature for a jazz album is Alexander's interpretation of Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings," performed live on solo electric guitar. The "Adagio" is one of the most emotional pieces of music known -- psychologists often play it to alter the mood of their subjects under study in the lab, and scientists have written about the piece, trying to understand the source of its emotional power. Although I have heard the "Adagio" performed more times than I can remember, I find Alexander's take on it to be especially moving.According to the liner notes, "Oria" takes its name from Alexander's daughter, who was born while a demo tape was playing. This being a musical love letter from a man to his family, it's no wonder the music sounds as though it comes straight from his heart."