Joe DiMonte

Review: Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra makes strong debut
Buzz up!By Bob Karlovits, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, October 12, 2009

The wait for the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra was well worth it.

Trumpeter Sean Jones and saxophonist-arranger Mike Tomaro led the 18-piece ensemble through its official premiere Thursday at the new August Wilson Center, Downtown. The performance was strong enough to suggest they are well on their way to accomplishing their musical goals.

Before an audience that filled the hall's 486 seats, the band ripped through driving arrangements from Tomaro on Wayne Shorter's "Yes or No" and Tommy Turrentine's "Too Clean." The latter featured Jones and fellow trumpeter James Moore exchanging solo statements that got closer and closer until they were finally playing them at the same time.

The ensemble play of the band was tight and convincing of their rehearsal and preparedness, but the solo work stood out from such players as Eric DeFade and Kenny Powell on tenor saxophone, trombonist Jay Ashby and pianist Alton Merrel.

Singer Carolyn Perteete gave the band a good vocal presence in three songs, including a lovely "Never Let Me Go."

The most dramatic part of the evening was in part of Jones' solo on his own "BJ's Tune." In that section, he played into the piano and then paused, letting the wires ring in an echo of his statement.

>>>>If jazz fans don't support this effort, they will get what they earn in their laziness.<<<

AMEN !

__________________
"Clark Terry - C.T.,as his friends call him,is not only a master of the trumpet and flugelhorn,but a master musician and a leader to the manor born." - Dan Morgenstern.

jazzcadenza

Thanx for posting! I was unable to make it to the 'premier' and wondered how it was received and how the orchestra sounded..... now I'm updated!