COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA featuring TATIANA LADYMAY MAYFIELD

GOLDEN Lady

CJRO Independet Label

The Colorado jazz Repertory Orchestra was founded in 2012 by Executive Director, Art Bouton.  The mission of this stellar orchestra is to perform the best music, by the best musicians. Also, part of that mission is to incorporate recognizable tunes and new compositions, with arrangements by Artistic Director, Drew Zaremba, by CJRO band members and other contemporary composers.  This season, the CJRO (Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra) unveils an ambitious and soulful project.  They feature the vocals of Tatiana ‘LadyMay’ Mayfield, a genre-defying singer who showcases power, passion, and virtuosity.

CJRO opens with their single release that features Bob Reynolds offering a high energy tenor saxophone solo.  The tune is called “Hold Tight” and was penned by Reynolds.  It spotlights the orchestra’s excitement and the talents of arranger Drew Zaremba.  Bass player, Patrick McDevitt opens the piece with his dynamic bass line, setting both mood and tempo.

The second ‘single’ release from this album features the powerhouse vocals of Tatiana Mayfield. She tributes both singer/songwriter Jill Scott and living legend, Stevie Wonder.  It’s a rich, wonderful rendition of two songs, woven together warm and impressive as a medley.  The arrangement includes the vocalist scatting along with the band.

This talented orchestra is full of composers.  Trombonist, Zach Rich, has written “Side Step.” It comes next on this album, plush with great songs and outstanding musicianship.  Rich takes a stellar trombone solo, as does Mike Abbott who offers a soulful guitar improvisation.  Drew Zaremba adds his alto flute improvisation. I find myself humming along with the intoxicating melody of this song.

Tatiana ‘LadyMay’ Mayfield is also a composer.  She has written “Metamorphosis” that features a strong trumpet solo by Jonathan Powell.  Her song is very Hip Hop influenced, with a strong lyrical content that speaks of a girl becoming a woman.  The orchestrated arrangement is fantastic, with lyrics that are catchy and compelling. She sings, “See me in the sky with a butterfly – – metamorphosis.”

LadyMay also sings the lyrics to a song written by her bandmember, Remy Le Boeuf who plays the flute.  His melody is challenging, and in the end, he changes keys to lift the production.  Tatiana’s soprano voice easily and smoothly makes the change, hitting the higher notes with precision.

They swing hard on “Red Cedar Road” and drummer Matt Campbell soaks up the spotlight with his power-packed trap drums shining.

All in all, this is an album that sings the praises of young people who are perpetuating the artform of jazz in their own unique ways.  This orchestra shows the multi-talents of their membership, and the brilliance of their arranger Drew Zaremba.

COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA IS:  Drew Zaremba, Artistic Director/organ; Eric Gunnison, keyboards; Mike Abbott, guitar; Patrick McDevitt, bass; Matt Campbell, drums; Christian Teele, percussion; WOODWINDS: Art Bouton & Tom Meyer, alto saxophone/flute; Jared Cathey & David Bernot, tenor saxophone/flute; Allison Young, baritone saxophone/bass clarinet; Drew Zaremba, tenor saxophone/alto flute; Remy Le Boeuf, flute. TRUMPETS: Jake Boldman, Jonathan Powell, Dawn Kramer, Tony Zator & Shane Endsley. TROMBONE: Zach Rich, Adam Bartczar, Jon Gauer & John Mathews. VOICES: Tatiana ‘LadyMay’ Mayfield (lead vocal); Jofoke Keel, Brionne Aigné, & Dax-Oliver Singleton.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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