P.J. Perry - P.J. Perry and The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (1999)

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. The sleek take of "Harlem Nocturne," symphonic to waltzing Mussorgsky/Ravel composition "The Old Castle," and Ralph Towner's stair step to heaven spirit ballad "Hand In Hand," Perry on soprano, provides great contrast. Even more disparate is the patriotic march drum & flute imbued to hard bopping "Strike Up The Band" where the orchestra acts as a big band, while the most intriguing "They Kept Bach's Head Alive" adapts and changes in 3/4, 6/8 and 7/8 time changes, horns talking to Perry's soprano back and forth in clever and powerful multi-dramatic scripts. Perry now joins the small cadre of saxophonists as Parker, Arthur Blythe, Larry Nozero, and others who want this combination so desperately to work. Perry's definitely relaxed, singing, expressive pose makes this combination seem effortless, and not difficult at all to enjoy. -- Michael G. Nastos