SWOJO is:
Musical Director: Dr. Daniel Barry
Saxophones: Lisa Gordanier, Steph Dupuis, Cynthia Mullis, Jenny Ziefel, Ann Babb
Trombones: Carolyn Caster, Mariah Ralston, Jenny Brown, Erin Easley
Trumpets: Dennis Haldane, Marge Rosen, Angela Smith, Sarah Nelson
Rhythm: Ann Reynolds (p), Rachael Contorer (b), Maria Joyner (dr)
Sounds Like
from AllAboutJazz.com:
The Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra, now seven years old, has produced its second superlative album of contemporary jazz, a cosmopolitan enterprise showcasing impressive compositions and arrangements by musical director Daniel Barry; Englishwoman Hazel Leach, co-leader of the European-based United Women’s Orchestra; and Jill Townsend, one of Canada’s most talented writers in the big-band genre.
As on its previous recording, Dreamcatcher (OA2, 2004), SWOJO leaves no doubt that it can play with anyone, readily mastering charts that would test even the most battle-hardened ensemble. The careful use of shading and dynamics is especially remarkable, as all but one of the eight selections were recorded in concert with no safety net or second chances. The exception is Barry’s “Checkered Demon” which, unlike the others, ends with no applause. The album is so cleanly recorded, however, that the absence of an audience response is the only avenue by which to separate the concert selections from the lone in-studio track.
Barry, the orchestra’s music director since its inception, appreciates a Latin beat, a fondness that is conspicuous on three of his four compositions, even though the rhythms are often gentle and understated. Again, the anomaly is “Checkered Demon,” a bluesy charmer on which tenor saxophonist Cynthia Mullis excels. “Demon” follows the supple opener, “Encontro das Águas” (Meeting of the Waters), whose lone soloist is trumpeter Barry himself.
Leach weighs in with “The Tulip Wonder,” a lyrical swinger featuring trombonist Jennifer Kellogg that opens calmly and builds in intensity, and the meditative “Self Portrait,” nicely sung by Greta Matassa alongside splendid solos by trumpeter Sarah Nelson and tenor Tina Richerson. As with most modern songs, I haven’t a clue as to what the lyrics mean, but they seem quite serious and profound.
Townsend’s charts appeared previously on her excellent album, Tales from the Sea (Pagetown, 2003). The first is her own enchanting composition, “Waltz of the Jellyfish,” the second the lovely standard “Old Folks,” a luminous arrangement on which Mullis is again showcased, this time on alto sax.
Bassist Rachael Contorer, alto Lisa Gordanier and pianist Ann Reynolds are the soloists on “Jellyfish,” which precedes Barry’s powerful “Mighty Urubamba,” “Old Folks” and his softly flowing “Miraflores.” Nelson, drummer Jeremy Jones and percussionist Michelle McGowan are admirable on the former, Jones and Richerson ditto on the latter.
In sum, the inescapable verdict is that SWOJO has earned another blue ribbon. Recommended without pause.
Download a free tune from Meeting of the Waters at AllAboutJazz.com
The Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra (SWOJO) features many of the finest female jazz artists in the region. Showcasing high intensity jazz, tight harmonies, and lush dynamic sounds, the band performs with a fresh energy stemming from seven years of thrilling audiences on two continents. The band is proud to perform many originals and arrangements from Pacific Northwest artists such as Nelda Swiggett, Jill Townsend, Al Farlow, Hazel Leach, Vern Sielert, Carmen Staaf, and our Musical Director, Dr. Daniel Barry.
SWOJO CDs available from OA2 Records (click the logo above) or from online retailers such as
CDUniverse.com and
Amazon.com.
Hi Swojo's Thanks for the add! Reminder: The deadline for participating at the 30th Jazz Hoeilaart Intern'l Belgium is approaching. Check out our myspace &Hope to see you at our Jazz Hoeilaart Intern'l Contest! Take care & a lot of music
It was GREAT getting to jam with my old high school bandmate, Cynthia Mullis, and meet Carolyn Caster. I do a Jazz radio show in Albuquerque and your new CD is getting some air play. Keep up the good music!
Hey girls! I'm a SINGER from the south of ITALY!!! Thank you for your add, you are great in building something special like a female UNITY of sounds and music. Huge idea!!!!
Why don't you come to ITALY for some performance???
It would be great 'cause here there isn't something like your band!!!
Girl POWER!!!
Hi SWOJO, Thanks so much for connecting...great to discover you here at MySpace! I love to support other women jazz musicians, so please let me know if you ever play out this way!
Peace,
Barb Cheron
Hey There! I am sorry I haven't written in awhile, Things have been moving forward and keeping me out of trouble...For the most part!
Have a fantastic day and I wanted to let you know I appreciate our friendship and your support!
Online Now!
