Search - Vince Mendoza :: Sketches

Great modern orchestral jazz. For all lovers of good music.

10/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD includes an original orchestration of Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante défunte" and a quasi-suite in 8 movements. I say "quasi-suite" because it sounds more like a collection of (great) pieces than like a unified work. However, the composing and orchestration is very, very good. I like the first "Sketch" very much, a small soprano sax/piano duo with an impressionistic mood. Then the orchestra comes in and there are at least three or four Sketches that never fail to make me dream.The orchestral personnel is mainly European, but there are a few exceptions, most notably Dave Liebman. The sound is sort of ECM-ish. There is excellent solo work by all the featured soloists, with a special mention for Liebman, guitarist Nguyen-Lê and pianist Frank Chastanier.Bottom line: you'll definitely like this CD if you like modern jazz (no bebop or Ellington here) like for instance Kenny Wheeler's works on ECM, but I believe this music can touch the generic music lover who is not too keen on jazz, too."