P.J. Perry - With the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

Veteran Canadian alto saxophonist P.j. Perry, his small ensemble, and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra are combined in many different ways on this disc. Perry, a Charlie Parker/Phil Woods disciple, plays a pure, tonal, rich horn while the orchestra adds classical, big band, or California CTI-type meditational horizons when asked. The band has a marked propensity for developing themes through the usage of medleys. The four tune Parker tribute weaves from the well swung, but too sweet, "The Song Is You" to the easily swing "April in Paris," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," and "Lover." Another four tunes in Brazilian style starts with the bossa "Corcovado" then abruptly stops, melding into the skyline vistas of "Girl From Ipanema," the piano of Mark Eisenmann on "Kirasamba," and the sax of Perry with the string section trading lines for "One Note Samba." An interesting ballad medley suite combines the lush Charlie Haden penned new standard "A Song for Ruth," Duke Ellington's ever remorseful classic "Sophisticated Lady" and the easier swung, orchestrally ornate "Dear Old Stockholm." The single tunes start with the hymnally set-up, sax-piano informed John Lewis standard "Django" where the strings are not dominant, but bassist Neil Swainson is prevalent. Read More