MARIA SCHNEIDER ORCHESTRA — Concert in the Garden (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Concert in the Garden is orchestral jazz great Maria Schneider's proudest achievement and a revelation for fans of big band, as well as jazz subgenres beyond. Though she proved with earlier discs, such as 1994's bright, thoughtful Evanescence, that her ability to transport moods and atmospheres into fully recognizable and deeply meaningful musical whirls was more intricately developed than many current composers, the performances she teases from her musicians throughout Concert in the Garden are an even sturdier testament to a fierce talent. Audible are the skills she developed under the tutelage of Gil Evans: the title track simmers with complexity and evokes grand dramatic themes, though she frames them in frailty courtesy of the graceful intertwinings of accordionist Gary Versace and vocalist Luciana Souza. Souza imparts to-the-bone feeling despite (perhaps because of) a wordless performance. Deposited into the middle of the disc are "Three Romances" -- three separate works bound by a full heart and notable for their lightness and varied Brazilian-flavored harmonies. It is final composition, "Buleria, Solea y Rumba," however, that dazzles most brilliantly. Tenor Donny McCaslin's inspired solo grabs hold in a work limned in fiery flamenco forms, fusing it together until it is a flawless whole. Few who hear this piece will doubt it draws its own oxygen; fewer still will doubt the genius and beauty of its creator. Tammy La Gorce
Tracklist :
1    Concert In The Garden 11:57
Soloist, Accordion – Gary Versace
Soloist, Guitar – Ben Monder
Soloist, Piano – Frank Kimbrough
Three Romances    
2    Part 1 Choro Dançado 9:46
Soloist, Piano – Frank Kimbrough
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Rich Perry
3    Part 2 Pas De Deux 9:02
Soloist, Flugelhorn – Ingrid Jensen
Soloist, Soprano Saxophone – Charles Pillow
4    Part 3 Dança Ilusória 9:06
Soloist, Piano – Frank Kimbrough
Soloist, Trombone – Larry Farrell
5    Bulería, Soleá Y Rumba 18:24
Soloist, Flugelhorn – Greg Gisbert
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Donny McCaslin
Credits :
Accordion – Gary Versace (tracks: 1)
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute – Tim Ries
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, Oboe, English Horn – Charles Pillow
Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet – Scott Robinson
Bass – Jay Anderson
Bass Trombone, Trombone [Contrabass] – George Flynn
Cajón – Gonzalo Grau (tracks: 5)
Cajón, Cajón [Quinto] – Jeff Ballard (tracks: 5)
Composed By, Conductor, Mixed By, Producer, Liner Notes, Executive-Producer – Maria Schneider
Drums – Clarence Penn
Guitar – Ben Monder
Lyrics By [Poem Printed On Booklet] – Octavio Paz
Pandeiro – Luciana Souza (tracks: 2)
Piano – Frank Kimbrough
Tenor Saxophone – Andy Middleton (tracks: 3, 4)
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Rich Perry
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Donny McCaslin
Trombone – Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell, Pete McGuinness (tracks: 3, 4), Rock Ciccarone
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Greg Gisbert, Ingrid Jensen, Laurie Frink, Tony Kadleck
Voice – Luciana Souza (tracks: 1, 2, 5)