Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra - In the Tradition (2018)

Big bands are still in the favor of jazz fans, even if their program is heavily influenced by "In The Tradition." The Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra is clearly rooted in its roots, revealing high-quality performance The Bauer Studios gives vinyl lovers the opportunity to experience their music in the finest quality - the review of a new record from the Bauer Studios.

Edward A. "Ed" Partyka is from Chicago / USA, and when we talk about traditions, we automatically think of the big big bands, or rather jazz orchestras of bygone eras, especially those from America and their famous leaders: Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Partyka is aware of his roots and yet, listening to this LP does not give the impression that he is emulating the great role models, copying them, and leaving interesting free spaces.

The six pieces (one of which comes from Partyka's pen) have all the components found in the traditional big bands: lavish brass sets and a massive orchestra body, fine-grained melodies, subtle twists and turns between loud and quiet, and the development of individual qualities in solos. And in two compositions we also hear the singer Julia Oschewsky, who shows with her pleasant voice at the same time an amazing dominance in the midst of this opulent sound meal.

My favorite is actually Partykas own composition "Trouble & Woe", not only because of the power (which incidentally was captured excellently by the recording team of Bauer Studios!), But also because of the excellent baritone saxophone game by Florian Leuschner and Katharina Thomsen The performance of the entire orchestra is simply a joke and in its positive energy is simply incredibly contagious.