Jeff Coffin - Such Sweet Thunder - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

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, InchSuch Sweet ThunderInch 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. InchSorry Not SorryInch kicks off the album with a moody electric piano and wah-wah trumpet setting the stage for electric guitar solo. Standards such as InchSuch Sweet ThunderInch and InchThe Very Thought of YouInch 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 InchAtchafalayaInch reminds one of the deep south roots of jazz with it's gospel tinged sound, ending with a sharp interchange between electric guitar and horns. A kicking bass solo sets the stage for Christina Watson singing InchCry Me A RiverInch, the band building to a powerful climax. The music on InchSuch Sweet ThunderInch makes a strong case for the bright future of large ensemble jazz.