Joys & Desires (2005)

Product Summary Label: Allegro Corporation UPC: 00750447338623 Release Date: 8/22/2006 Buy.com Sku: 202847479 Item#: M33KJ6 Format:  CD Song Listing Disc 1 Song Title Sample 1. Bird WIth The Coppery, Keen Claws, The ~ John Hollenbeck/Graz Jazz Big Band 2. Just Like Him ~ John Hollenbeck/Graz Jazz Big Band 3. Abstinence ~ John Hollenbeck/Graz Jazz Big Band 4. Jazz Envy ~ John Hollenbeck/Graz Jazz Big Band 5. After A Dance Or Two, We Sit Down For A Pint With Gil And Tim ~ John Hollenbeck/Graz Jazz Big Band 6. Garden Of Love, The ~ John Hollenbeck/Graz Jazz Big Band 7. Maxfield ~ John Hollenbeck/Graz Jazz Big Band   Album Notes and Credits Notes & Personnel Info John Hollenbeck: Theo Bleckmann (vocals); Henning Sieverts (cello, bass instrument); Heinrich von Kalnein (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Christian Bachner (flute, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Robert Friedl (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Klaus Gesing (bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Martin Harms (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Jorg Engels, Axel Mayer, Karl Rossmann (trumpet, flugelhorn); Wolfgang Messner, Robert Bachner (trombone); Oliver Kent (piano); Uli Rennert (keyboards); John Hollenbeck (drums). This is a very different type of big-band album. Arranger/composer/drummer John Hollenbeck conceives of the 18-piece Jazz Bigband Graz not so much as a jazz big band but as an ensemble-oriented orchestra filled with unusual tone colors that is capable of expressing most emotions. "The Bird with the Coppery, Keen Claws" has some odd narration by singer Theo Bleckmann, "Just Like Him" finds the horns playing long tones before some fairly free improvising, and "Abstinence" hints at George Russell before going completely crazy. The following three selections form the "Joys & Desires" suite, which ranges from the ominous theme of "Jazz Envy" (a performance that climaxes with some explosive electronic devices) to the more peaceful "The Garden of Love." The closing "Maxfield" has forward momentum but is rather monotonous in a cinematic way. Although not always an easy listen, Joys & Desires contains innovative big-band writing, impeccable musicianship, and many surprising moments. ~ Scott Yanow Producer: Heinrich Von Kalnein; Horst; Michael Schaffer   Compilation Appearances Hotel Alba   Technical Info Release Date : 08/08/2006 Original Release Date : 2005 Catalog ID : 33862 Label : Intuition Music Number of Discs : 1 Studio/Live : Studio Mono/Stereo : Stereo SPAR Code : n/a UPC : 00750447338623   Professional Reviews Down Beat (p.76) - "Dense textures, burdened ostinatos, creepy vibes and arcane wit render the album fascinating..."    Related Videos Randy Jackson: Randy Jack...