STEVE ROSENBLOOM BIG BAND

SAN FRANCISCO 1948

Glory Records

Composer and alto saxophonist, Steve Rosenbloom debuts nine compositions he has written for his big band based on San Franciso 1948.  Rosenbloom is an interesting character.  He has experienced two very different careers. He has been composing music since the mid-1980s, and at the same time, practicing and teaching as a licensed psychoanalyst and psychologist.

His love of music and playing saxophone allowed him to balance his day-job with jazz performances locally in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He has recorded earlier albums that include six CDs with the Claremont Standards Band.  Rosenbloom also made three albums with fellow composer Richard Karmel.  He played on singer Mira Choquette’s “Something Cool” cd, recorded “The Composers,” and led the Steve Rosenbloom Vocal Jazz Quartet.  This time, he is leading a 17-piece big band.

They open with “Samba for Esther,” a happy, energetic Latin arrangement with a wonderful melody.  Eric Harding is featured grandly on piano.

Some of these original compositions were originally performed by the McGill University Jazz Band, but they have never previously been recorded. Many of these songs were arranged by trombonist Chris Smith.  Four other tunes, including the title song, “San Francisco 1948” are more recent compositions and arranged by Michael Johancsik.

Track #2, titled “In A Boppish Sort of Way,” is true to its name. It bebops into my room and features the tenor saxophone talents of Michael Johancsik, who is also an arranger on this project.  The big band horn lines are lush, moving in waves of harmony that support and enhance the lead soloists. Cameron Milligan makes a stunning statement on trumpet.

The bluesy ballad, “Mosley” has a melody that touches my heart.  This is a song that begs for lyrics.  It features a soulful solo by Allison Burik on Alto saxophone and a beautiful trombone solo by Thomas Morelli-Bernard.

I am completely impressed with the composer talents of Steve Rosenbloom and the awesome arrangements of the Steve Rosenbloom Big Band.  This ensemble is made up of A-list musicians in Montreal.  Their project shines like a Juno Award.

STEVE ROSENBLOOM BIG BAND MEMBERS:  Eric Harding, piano; Mike de Masi, bass; Jim Doxas, drums. SAXOPHONES: Steve Rosenbloom, alto sax/composer/conductor; Allison Burik, alto/bass clarinet; Jules Payette, lead alto/flute; Michael Johancsik & Alex Francoeur, tenor/clarinet; Benjamin Deschamps, baritone/clarinet. TRUMPETS: Lex French, Andy King, Benjamin Cordeau & Cameron Milligan. TROMBONES: Mathieu Van Vilet, Thomas Morelli-Bernard, Taylor Donaldson & Chris Smith.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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