CINCINNATI CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ORCHESTRA

THE NUTCRACKER REMIX

www.cincinnatijazz.org

Eric Lechliter, Musical Conductor; Mandy Gaines, vocalist; Jim Leslie, drums; Aaron Jacobs, bass; Matt Harris, piano; Brad Myers, guitar; TRUMPETS: Matthew Anklan, John Zappa, Ralph DiSylvestro, & Kim Pensyl; TROMBONES: Zachary Granger, Marc Fields, & Brian Stevens; Josh Omaits, bass trombone. REEDS: Jeremy Long, Jamie Walkenhauer, Garin Webb, Dwayne Irvin & Phil Hilger.

Founded in 2013, The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra (a product of University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music) is one of the Midwest’s most prominent jazz bands. They showcase music of contemporary composers. It was CCJO Band director, Rob Parton, who came up with the bright idea of The Nutcracker Remix.  He is currently the Associate Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the University of North Texas.  Professor Parton was inspired by the Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangements on Duke’s classic 1960 album, “The Nutcracker Suite.”  Parton wanted to do something similar with 21^st Century contemporary jazz as the vehicle.  What better time to release such an album than around the holiday season when Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker Suite is always so popular.

Throughout, you will hear both samba grooves and hip-hop influences. “Overture” features shifting arrangements within this one piece, beginning with the walking bass of Aaron Jacobs that introduces a warm, harmonic horn exclamation, followed by Jim Leslie slapping his drums in our face with attention-getting-power.  The tempos change in a breath, with synthesizer injections, including a digitally filtered trombone solo by Zachary Granger. There is electronic surprise in this arrangement.

Track #2 is oh so familiar, called the “Pistachio March.” Those of us familiar with Tchikovsky’s music quickly recognize this tune as the background soundtrack for Disney’s animated film, “Fantasia.”  But it’s Track #3 that finally hits a jazz chord with me. “Sugar Rush” features a powerhouse punch from drummer Jim Leslie, as well as including ‘the blues’ deeply rooted in this arrangement.

“Everybody Digs Flowers” is a pretty jazz waltz that also swings in a big band jazzy way. “Russian Dance” is renamed “Caipiroska” and gives guitarist Brad Myers an opportunity to step briefly into the spotlight. The muted trumpet shines. “Camel Capery” is the new name for “Arabian Dance” with drummer Jim Leslie using mallets to softly caress the rhythms from his trap drums.

Vocalist Mandy Gaines is featured on three Christmas carols including, “Christmas Time is Here”, “Merry Christmas Baby” and “Christmas This Year.”

“The Nutcracker Remix” by the CCJO (Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz orchestra) makes a lovely stocking stuffer this holiday season.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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