Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra - Night Devoid of Stars (2020)

Vancouver-based jazz composer Daniel Hersog wrote much of the music for Night Devoid of Stars, his debut big-band album, early in the morning before teaching, with news on the TV in the background. So, the darker strain of events these days extreme political polarization, escalating climate disaster, endless gun violence, etc. inevitably seeped into his consciousness and onto the page, even though he has a naturally positive cast of mind. Ultimately, the music he composed ended up reflecting both shadow and light. Hersog took the title for his album from a Martin Luther King quote: ''Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'' ''Night Devoid of Stars'' features the composer conducting his 16-piece Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra and two showcase soloists, tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger and pianist Frank Carlberg. Both are devoted colleagues of Hersog's from his days at New England Conservatory, with Preminger a classmate and Carlberg a teacher.