The Stockholm Jazz Orchestra is a world class outfit. Led by veteran trumpet player Fredrik Noren and featuring arrangements by Chicago pianist Jim McNeely, its members come from all over Sweden and beyond in a fascinating meeting of generations. Consider, if you will, the trumpet section where grey-haired, moustachioed Gustavo Bergalli, born 1940 in Buenos Aires (ex-Michel Legrand and Gato Barbieri), sits alongside Karl Olandersson, born 1978, who with his pin-up boy looks and occasional vocals, reminds you of a latter day Chet Baker, before the white stuff got to him.
As the title implies, all the numbers on this album were composed by members of the orchestra. The stand-out tracks are by trumpeters Peter Asplund and Magnus Broo. Asplund's atmospheric "The Prowlers" kicks things off with an authoritative solo from the author. Broo, born 1965, studied in Texas with tuba player and brass instructor Rich Matteson. The experience comes through on "Cochise," a firey, rocking tribute to the Apache chief and one of three numbers arranged with customary precision by McNeely. Continue reading at ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM.