Arranger
Vince Mendoza combined together many disparate elements and voices into a unified music on this CD, which manages to be both commercial and artistically satisfying. Whether it be
Bob Mintzer (on tenor and soprano),
Joe Lovano (tenor, alto and soprano) or trumpeter
Randy Brecker, there is a jazz soloist of note on virtually every track; guitarists
John Scofield and
Ralph Towner also provide many moments of interest. The
Mendoza originals are challenging to the players without being too esoteric to the more casual listener and cover a wide range of moods.
Mendoza uses many types of instrumentation, from a 13-piece brass-filled ensemble on "Jung Parade" to the solo piano of
Gloria Cheng on "Hearts In Paris." This stimulating and consistently surprising release is well worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow