When pianist Jason Lindner first led his own big band in 1995 at the overnight jazz hang Small's in New York City, it was a diamond in the rough. Ten years hence, it was refined, enriched, and enlivened like few other comparable groups; those of Maria Schneider, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Carla Bley come to mind. Lindner, who has a distinct and joyful individual voice on the piano, has translated that sound quite well into his compositions and the voices of his instrumentalists. The result is a well-pronounced style of progressive and modern jazz that can rival any of his more experienced peers. This double CD of live recordings at the Jazz Gallery in N.Y.C. is a potent reminder of the potential for written orchestral music to still sound innovative, fresh, and above all exceptional. The program starts with bassist Omer Avital's Intro: Song for Jason, which warms up the ten-piece group with repeated minimalist lines that recall the legendary South African/British band Brotherhood of Breath. Then the group digs into Lindner's compositions: the 6/8 to 7/8 Suheir, laced with polyrhythms and stacked melodies; a spooky, lilting to lighthearted waltz in Rumors; and the floating and delicate Inbal. As the show goes on, you hear Lindner's piano setting the tone for the collective on some astounding charts, outstanding solos, and unparalleled shared counterpoint between all of the horns. Lindner also plays the Nord Electro II, a sound falling between and organ, Fender Rhodes, and Farfisa. Jay Collins on flute, trumpeter Avishai Cohen, and Miguel Zenón on alto sax add color and drama, while drummer Eric McPherson keeps the band rhythmically in line.

1		Intro: Song for Jason
2		Suheir
3		Rumors
4		Inbal
5		Song for Amos
6		Freak of Nature
7		Life Light
8		The 5 Elements and the Natural Trinity
9		Poem for You Today

	Like us on Facebook
	@SoundHound	Follow