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John Vanore: Stolen Moments
ByVanore's purpose, he says, was not to emulate Nelson's technique but to reanimate his intrepid spirit to challenge and inspire the ensemble. To do so, Vanore assembled a somewhat anomalous group whose roster includes a four-member trumpet section but only two woodwinds, alto / soprano Steve Wilson and tenor / bass clarinetist Bob Malach (whose name is inexplicably misspelled three times as "Mallach"). They are augmented by two trombones, two French horns and a four-piece rhythm section with Beth Gottlieb adding percussion on the seductive "El Gato" (written for saxophonist Gato Barbieri).
Malach is showcased on "A Taste of Honey," Wilson (in swashbuckling form) on the buoyant finale, "Reuben's Rondo" (Vanore saves the very best for last). Trumpeter Dave Ballou is out front on Vanore's slow-but-sure arrangement of "St. Louis Blues," trombonist Ryan Keberle on a chorale-like treatment of the venerable folk anthem "Greensleeves." Vanore solos once, with bassist Mike Richmond and pianist Jim Ridl, on Nelson's best-known theme, "Stolen Moments," Malach, Wilson and guitarist Greg Kettinger on "El Gato," Ballou and drummer Danny Gottlieb on another Nelson evergreen, "Blues and the Abstract Truth." Wilson's soprano sax brightens the bluesy "I Hope in Time a Change Will Come."
In truth, the blues were never far from Nelson's orbit, nor are they from Vanore's. For fans of Oliver Nelson (and they are legion), a heartwarming and well-shaped revival of some of his enduring music.
Track Listing
Self Help Is Needed; A Taste of Honey; Stolen Moments; El Gato; St. Louis Blues; Blues & the Abstract Truth; Greensleeves; I Hope in Time a Change Will Come; Reuben’s Rondo.
Personnel
John Vanore
trumpetJohn Vanore: conductor, arranger, trumpet (3); Tony Kadleck: trumpet, flugelhorn; Augie Haas: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jon Owens: trumpet, flugelhorn; Dave Ballou: trumpet, flugelhorn; Steve Wilson: alto, soprano sax, flute; Bob Malach: tenor sax, bass clarinet; Ryan Keberle: trombone; David Taylor: bass trombone; George Barnett: French horn; Adam Unsworth: French horn; Jim Ridl: piano; Greg Kettinger: guitar; Mike Richmond: bass; Danny Gottlieb: drums; Beth Gottlieb: percussion (4).
Album information
Title: Stolen Moments | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Acoustical Concepts
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