Blair Big Band - Such Sweet Thunder (2018)

“Such Sweet Thunder” is the swinging and creative debut of the Blair Big Band – the big band from Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Built on the tradition of classic big band jazz, “Such Sweet Thunder” offers a fresh look at some jazz standards and a peek at what the future of the music might be. The band consists of students from Blair plus some of Nashville’s veteran players. But this is no typical college lab band – they swing and blend together with the assurance of a tight, well-travelled working orchestra. “Sorry Not Sorry” kicks off the album with a moody electric piano and wah-wah trumpet setting the stage for electric guitar solo. Standards such as “Such Sweet Thunder” and “The Very Thought of You” get creative updates. Nashville legend pianist Beegie Adair guests on a beautifully executed arrangement of the latter tune, giving fresh life to an old chestnut with nuanced harmony and exquisite shading. The southern tinged “Atchafalaya” reminds one of the deep south roots of jazz with its gospel tinged sound, ending with a sharp interchange between electric guitar and horns. A kicking bass solo sets the stage for Christina Watson singing “Cry Me A River”, the band building to a powerful climax. The music on “Such Sweet Thunder” makes a strong case for the bright future of large ensemble jazz.

Jerry Kimbrough (guitar), Rob Fay (trumpet), Evan Lyons (trombone), Chase Coffey (trombone), David Rodgers (piano), Ryan Bitar (alto saxophone), Matt Tuggle (bass trombone), Trent Ogaz (tenor saxophone), Emmet Haden (trumpet), Nic Townsend (soprano saxophone), Roger Spencer (double bass), Beegie Adair (piano), Jeremy Wilson (trombone), Brian Entwistle (bass trombone), Ben Pleasant (guitar)

Blair Big Band