| July 2008As jazz becomes
more and more marginalized, the appearance of a new big-band recording can send spasms of
ecstasy coursing through the veins of any connoisseur. New York veteran Rick Wald has
tapped into the large New York jazz scene to obtain the best players to make up his 16/NYC
big band. Programming an intoxicating mix of standards and original compositions, he pulls
out all the stops on Play That Thing. Listen to the way he takes tunes as well
known as "Maiden Voyage" and "Stompin’ at the Savoy" and draws
them out to emphasize their ethereal beauty, slowing them down even further to allow his
musicians to display their wares to the fullest. But don’t think that this is only a
jazz-waltz album; numbers such as the title cut and "Gonna Getcha" will quickly
dissuade you of that idea. While Wald falls under the influence of many, I hear the main
one as Gil Evans. This shows primarily in the way he charts tonal colors and tempo.
And while a new big-band album is going to be hailed no
matter how it sounds, Wald gives more than passing attention to the sonics of his
creations. I would expect no less from a man who frequents some of the audiophile forums
to both educate and learn. So whether it’s a soloist or group harmonies, he makes
sure instruments stand out as individuals, fully rounded in form and function. Tone and
timbre are as good as Red Book CD can give. The soundstage is spread out between the outer
edges of the speakers, and there’s a nice sense of depth, which allows you to follow
any instrument you please.
Given the first-rate musicianship, it all adds up to is a
disc that can (and should) be atop the "must buy" list of jazz fans anywhere.
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Rick
Wald 16/NYC - Play That Thing
