Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra: The Gennett Suite

This ambitious piece is named for Gennett Records, whose crucial role in jazz history began 100 years ago. It was written by Brent Wallarab, co-leader of the outstanding band heard here. How did a label based in eastern Indiana become the epicenter of jazz recording in the mid-20s? By recording musicians based in Chicago, when that city was home to such great New Orleans-born players as Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and King Oliver, as well as Midwesterners like Bix Biederbecke and Hoagy Carmichael. The Suite is divided into movements that feature pieces recorded for Gennett, though in some cases the original themes are referenced only indirectly, and all are enhanced by arranging concepts that owe more to Gil Evans than Mr. Jelly Lord. This is not to say that Wallarab has merely used the themes as springboards. To the contrary, he plainly loves the early masters honored here, which is why the project has such depth. Listeners who share this love will spot all kinds of intelligent and witty references to the originals, and Wallarab leaves plenty of space for excellent soloists too numerous to mention to stretch out. With the highest production values at every stage, this one is a must for devotees of contemporary big band jazz.