January 20, 2011

Jazz played on classical instruments can negate the charms of both genres, but when tastefully executed, can result in a refreshing break from the trademark saxophone honks and ride-cymbal triplets. Such is definitely the case here. Lushly orchestrated for an all-cello big band, the tunes were impeccably played by McGill faculty and students and recorded at the university’s state-of-the-art facilities. The thoughtful selection of standards spans the history of jazz, from Gershwin to Mingus, through Ornette to Mahavishnu, with John McLaughlin himself guesting on guitar on one track.

By Lawrence Joseph

View article at Montreal Mirror