There are remarkably few progressive big bands of note, though one that merits entry into their ranks is the
Norrbotten Big Band. Trumpeter
Tim Hagans, an American who serves as its artistic director, contributed the originals for this date, while he recruited a number of star soloists from the U.S. for these sessions. He envisioned "Buckeyes" after being inspired by a conversation between
Ornette Coleman and
Joe Lovano; though there are rapid-fire free jazz portions played by the orchestra, with the leader and tenor saxophonist
George Garzone playing the role of
Lovano, the results are anything but a train wreck. The hip boogaloo "Boo" features the sassy trumpet of
Randy Brecker, with guitarist
Vic Juris added to the rhythm section. The lush ballad "Here with Me" showcases
David Liebman's magical soprano sax, backed by
Hagans' superb scoring of the reeds and brass. "Palt Seanuts" is a breezy bop vehicle that
Hagans claims is based on a Viking sea song, though he may be engaging in a
Dizzy Gillespie-like put-on in his notes. The sauntering "Rufus at Gilly's" casts the spotlight on veteran bassist
Rufus Reid, who demonstrates why he is one of the most in-demand players with his inventive, bluesy solo technique. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden