Thursday, July 10, 2014

Adam Unsworth, Byron Olson and John Vanore: Balance

Acoustical Concepts Inc.
By Ric Bang
Buy CD: Balance

This release features two groups: a jazz quintet backed by a large chamber ensemble, and a jazz sextet in conjunction with woodwinds and a string quartet. All the music is composed by Adam Unsworth, who also plays French horn, and composer/arranger Byron Olson. The result is one of the finest “marriages” of the jazz and classical genres, that I’ve ever heard.

Unsworth is without peer on the French horn, and he’s equally adept as a composer/arranger. He’s an associate professor at the University of Michigan, has been on the faculty at Temple University, and has appeared as recitalist and clinician at numerous universities in the State. He also played with the Grammy-nominated Gil Evans Centenial Project, and has recorded with many other jazz organizations.

Olson has written for numerous name artists and symphoney orchestras; perhaps his most famous productions are his Sketches of Miles and Sketches of Coltrane.

Unsworth is joined by John Vanore (trumpet/flugelhorn), Bob Mallach (tenor sax), Bill Mays (piano), Mike Richmond (bass) and Danny Gottlieb (drums), and the full ensembles consist of violins, violas, cellos, flutes and other orchestral instruments. 


Everything blends superbly, with Unsworth, Vanore and their associates delivering stunning, beautiful and truly swinging music. Don't miss this tour de force!

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