Westchester Jazz Orchestra
Maiden Voyage Suite
www.westjazzorch.org
By George W. Harris

Here’s an idea that makes perfect sense, even more so since it was done well. The Westchester Jazz Orchestra, which boasts heavy hitters like Harvie S/b, Ralph Lalama/ts, Jason Rigby/ts, Jim Rotondi/tp and Ted Rosenthal/p, uses the Herbie Hancock classic album as a reference point for some impressive big band charts. Interspaced between some of the 5 jazz standards are original themes that set the pace, or sum up a mood. The songs themselves, such as “Eye Of The Hurricane” have intriguing introductions, impressive textures, and logical solos. Rigby’s tenor on “Eye” is as rich and meaty, while Marvin Stamm’s flugelhorn on “Maiden Voyage” skips like a windjammer. Rotondi shines like polished brass on the deck of “Dolphin dance” and “Survival Of The Fittest” while the horn section on ‘Little One” foams up like a cresting wave. An excellent supplement to an essential recording.