"The Schaphorst Band combines the sophisticated and eclectic writing of the leader and the wonderfully loose playing of, for these ears, 18 of Boston's finest improvisers. Tossed into Schaphorst's mixing bowl is everything from hymns and gospel to march cadences and Latin rhythms to blues and funk to Monk, Mingus and Cecil Taylor to passages not unlike your favorite big band era riff." W. Royal Stokes, JazzTimes
When the Moon Jumps (AC-4203)Trimmed down to ten pieces including two percussionists, the 1993 version of the band premieres "Concerto for John Medeski," supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Also included: "Con Alma," "All the Things You Are," and more Schaphorst originals.
"One of the most excitingly provocative large ensemble ventures that I've heard in years."
Chuck Berg, JazzTimes
"This is what big band jazz will sound like in the next centruy." Robert Tate, Jazz Now
"Four Stars - A surprisingly full, orchestral sound...vocalizing bass, sighing, growling horns, and a soulful, blues and roots feeling." Jon Andrews, Down Beat
Personnel: Doug Yates, as, bcl; Donny McCaslin, ts, ss; John Carlson, Bob Levy, tp; Curtis Hasselbring, tb; John Dirac, g; John Medeski, pn; Chris Wood, bs; Dane Richeson, Billy Martin, perc.
Tracks:1. When the Moon Jumps; 2.Checkered Blues; 3.All the Things You Are; 4.Con Alma; 5.Stomping Around; 6.Perfect Machine; 7.Flowing; 8.Standing Still; 9.Flying.
After Blue (AC-4202)
This 1991 recording brings in the front line of the group Human Feel (Andrew D'Angelo and Chris Speed) along with bassist Chris Wood and Schaphorst Band stalwards John Medeski and trombonist Josh Roseman, for more originals and new arrangements of Ellington's "Warm Valley" and Ray Charles' "Rockhouse."
"The band is [Schaphorst's] instrument. That truism is as true here as it gets, since he cannily exploits the colors of his 18-piece group with a ferocious energy and an offbeat ear that will periodically turn you on yours just as Mingus meant to."
Gene Santoro, Pulse
Personnel: Hiro Honshuku, fl; Jay Brandford, Andrew D'Angelo, as; Donny McCaslin, Chris Speed, ts; Kathy Halvorson, oboe, bar.s; John Carlson, Scott Cowan, Walter Platt, tp; Marshall Sealy, frh; Curtis Hasselbring, Josh Roseman, tb; Jim O'Dell, tuba; John Medeski, pn; John Dirac, g; Chris Wood, bs; Jim Harp, dms; Jerry Leake, perc.
Tracks: 1.After Blue; 2.Market Street; 3.Yes and No; 4.Cleopatra; 5.Going Up?; 6.J & K my A; 7.Warm Valley; 8.Blue Blood; 9.Rockhouse; 10.Before Light.
Making Lunch (AC-4201)
The band's 1990 debut features the cream of the late '80's Boston jazz scene; many of these musicians are now emerging onto the international scene, with Mercer Ellington, Bobby Previte, Don Byron, Henry Threadgill and on their own. A full plate of Schaphorst originals, plus his take on Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments."
"The most interesting and contemporary large-ensemble jazz to come out of Boston in recent years."
Rich Cromonic, Boston Phoenix
Personnel: Jay Brandford, as; John Carlson, tp, flh; John Dirac, g; Dave Finucane, ts; Andy Gravish, tp, flh; Jim Harp, dms; Curtis Hasselbring, tb; Hiro Honshuku, fl; Jerry Leake, perc; Dmitri Matheny, tp, flh; Donny McCaslin, ts; John Medeski, pn; Jim O'Dell, tuba; Mark Ortwein, bar.s, bsn; Josh Roseman, tb; Mark Taylor, fh; Dave Valdez, as; Wesley Wirth, bs.
Tracks: 1.Making Lunch; 2.Promise; 3.Intimations; 4.Stolen Moments; 5.Gospel Garden; 6.;7.;8.Chant...The Lashing of Tongues...Prayer.
Home | CD Index | Player Index | Order | E-Mail