| "With Afro-Cubism, Russ Gershon' 10-piece ensemble fully embraces the
sounds of mambo, charaga and cha cha cha. E/O's perspective on
Afro-Cuban music emphasizes its sensuous beauty and swaying rhythms.
The results should entice fans of Paquito D'Rivera, et al, but also
listeners who don't think they like Latin jazz.....[four stars]." -
Jon Andrews, Down Beat
"A thoroughly enjoyable disc, rife with gyrating grooves and tender
refinement. GRADE: 9 (of 10)"
-Michael J. Ryan, Boston Herald
"A churning Latin stew tinctured with the spice of Dizzy's
Gillespie's Big Bands, flavored with a dollop of the intensity of Sam
Rivers Rivbea All-Star Orchestra and a fistful of Randy Weston's
(Melba Liston arranged) large ensemble work from a few years back..."
-Dan McClenaghan, allaboutjazz.com
"The Either/Orchestra has achieved that sort of rare, atmospheric
level of reputation that invites constant wonder and scrutiny.
Afro-Cubism ignites a renewed passion for their music." -Chris
Merrick, radio KBOO, Portland Oregon
"The E/O has built a solid discography...the continually evolving
Orchestra includes an abundance of talent...[On Afro-Cubism] there
are excellent solos, but the primary focus is on Gershon's excellent
writing, which imbues each piece with a sophistication not always
seen in the genre of modern big band music. Gershon knows how to use
close voicing, counterpoint, changes in dynamics, and altered chords
to breath life into the band, and he effectively alternates between
concentrating on brass or saxes separately and combining them as a
whole. The arrangements feature the adventurous twists that have
come to be expected from the Orchestra...an enjoyable, exciting
affair with plenty of strong moments." -Steven Loewy, Cadence, Dec.
2002
"A disc of special atmosphere and impact." -Roberto Menabo, Bluestime (Italy)
"Some of the freshest, most worldly jazz around." -Karl Stark,
Philadelphia Inquirer |
ARTISTS
Tom Halter (trumpet); Colin Fisher (trumpet); Joel Yennior (trombone); Jeremy Udden (alto sax, flute); Russ Gershon (tenor sax); Charlie Kohlhase (baritone sax); Gregory Burk (piano); Rick McLaughlin (bass); Harvey Wirht (drums, cymbals, cowbells); Vicente Lebron (congas, bongos, timbales, percussion) |