Led by bassist John Leaman, this five-horn band brings the drama of film music and a touch of funk into the realm of Mingus and modal jazz. Leaman's compositions unfold melodramatically, full of surprising juxtapositions, evocative atmospheres, hills and valleys.
"At a time when too many young jazz stars seem bent on re-creating the past, it's refreshing to hear someone pushing into the future." Kevin R. Convey, Boston Herald
"The collective synergies of the ensemble lift the bandstand!" Chuck Berg, JazzTimes
"Leaman masterfully arranges this mini big-band." College Media Journal (CMJ)
Dedicated to Siri, elephant of the Syracuse Zoo, and her endangered bretheren. Remarkably, Siri paints with ink, and her work adorns the CD and booklet. "The Unknown Soldier" alone (see personnel below) is worth the price of admission!
Personnel: Tom Duprey, tp, fl; Douglas Yates, as; Matt Langley, ts; Curtis Hasselbring, tb; Charlie Kohlhase, bar; John Medeski, pn; John Leaman, bs; Gene Calderazzo, dms. Track 5 only, add: Sam Pilafian, tuba; Dave Fiuczynski, g. solo; John Dirac, g; Chris Wood, e.bs; Billy Martin, tym, perc (also track 2).
Tracks: 1.Reconciliation; 2.The Last Elephant; 3.At Times In My Life!?!?!; 4.La Vidaes Sueno; 5.The Unknown Soldier
La Spada di San Galgano (AC-3616)
Mandala's 1991 Accurate debut garnered heaps of radio with its hauntingly beautiful title track, which drove one music professor we know to his piano to figure out the chords. "Das Walsterben," features eerie vocals by rising pop star Paula Cole.
Personnel: Tom Duprey, tp; Douglas Yates, as; Matt Langley, ts; Curtis Hasselbring, tb; Charlie Kohlhase, bar.s; John Medeski, pn; John Leaman, bs; Matt Wilson, dms; Paula Cole, v (2).
Tracks: 1. La Spada di San Galgano; 2.Das Waldsterben; 3.Dimension; 4.Words in the Wind;
5.Oblique Blue Shadows; 6.Oblique Blue Finale.
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