"Cook the Books," Jazz Arts Society of Indiana. Reviewed by Indianapolis Star staff writer Jay Harvey.
3.5 out of 4 stars
Don't let the title mislead you into thinking this is some sort of
jazz tribute to Enron. A band's "book" is the set of
arrangements from which it draws what it plays in public
performances, and "cooking" is jazz slang for what happens
when the music miraculously lifts from the printed page and warms the atmosphere.
The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra delivers on the title's promise in
this cleverly varied, energetic collection of 14 originals and
standards. Directed by lead trumpeter Jeff Anderson, the IJO has been
active in the area for several years, often playing themed programs
recalling past musical glories in the big-band format.
Its debut CD takes a different turn, spotlighting the arrangements it
has corralled and the increasing adeptness of its soloists in a
straight-ahead jazz context. Supplementing the instrumental display
are solo vocals by Lydia Clowers (poignantly world-weary in "Lush
Life") and two other members of the Capitolaires quartet, which
has successful outings of its own in "Johnny One Note" and
"Put on a Happy Face" (though the diction could be better
in the Rodgers and Hart song).
Trombonist Ryan Fraley's strongly conceived, extended lyricism in
"When Sunny Gets Blue" ranks it among the outstanding
solos, together with Scott Hobson's whimsical soprano sax in "If
I Only Had a Brain" and Gary Graziano's frisky trumpeting in
"Cohibas" (which relieves the romping original's slightly
lumbering quality).
The ensemble and "the books" deserve plaudits for "The
'Tooth," with its blend of eccentric swagger and mockery, and
the brass-choralelike bookending of a fervent "Amazing
Grace." The Latin groove imparted to "Body and Soul"
serves it well, and the arrangement builds convincingly to the sort
of grandeur listeners for decades have turned to big bands for.
Recording quality is generally clear and lifelike, with a few
exceptions: Apart from the drums, the rhythm section occupies a murky
background, especially behind certain solos where one would like the
harmonic support to be firmer. And the vocals sometimes lack
"bloom," sounding closely miked and somewhat walled off
from the band.
• "Cook the Books" sells for about $15 both online and
at several Indianapolis locations: Luna Music stores, Borders Books
& Music in Castleton, Paige's Music and Indy CD & Vinyl.