Label: Sunnyside Records, 2023
Personnel - Alan Ferber: trombone; Chris Cheek: baritone saxophone; John Ellis: tenor saxophone; Jon Gordon: alto saxophone; Charles Pillow: alto saxophone, clarinet, flute, bass clarinet; Scott Wendholt: trumpet, flugelhorn; Nir Felder: guitar; David Cook: piano; Matt Clohesy: acoustic and electric bass; Mark Ferber: drums, percussion; Daniel Diaz: percussion (#1).
Trombonist and composer Alan Ferber returns with his highly respected nonet for a new album, the ensemble’s fifth, which is formulated with magnificent melody and majestic harmonic tapestries. The ensemble’s lineup has been changing over the years - Alan’s twin brother, drummer Mark Ferber, is the only one that remains since their 2005 debut album - but the main novel on Up High, Down Low is the versatile saxophonist Chris Cheek, here on baritone, who sits in for bass clarinetist Doug Yates. Boasting an attractive modern sound and fluid language, guitarist Nir Felder replaced Nate Radley with effective results, while pianist David Cook subbed for Bryn Roberts.
A perceptible piano motif gets things started on the title track, which opens the album with a lush orchestration containing horn counterpoint and strong textural guitar. The bandleader’s composing expertise allows all these instruments to create beautiful contrasts, and that comes to the fore on “Ambling”, an Ellingtonian piece that, similar to the standard “The More I See You”, will hit the spot for a general audience.
Five of the seven compositions on the album are Ferber’s, and his “Brimstone Boogaloo” is certainly a notable one. With stark ambition and drive, the piece has a Lee Morgan-esque, feel-good vibe enhanced by Matt Clohesely's torrid bass groove, exotic piano chordal work, and delightful melody. Multi-reedist Charles Pillow on flute and trumpeter Scott Wendholt have the word.
Felder and Cheek prove they are major assets in the latter’s “Ice Fall”, the album’s wonderful closer. The enchantment of this album gains even more charm with fine renditions of Joni Mitchell’s “Cherokee Louise”, where trombone and trumpet share the theme’s melody, and Norah Jones’ jazz-pop “Day Breaks”, which, reinforcing the wah-wah sounds of the original, is inflated by a bouncy tenor solo, courtesy of the sought-after reedman John Ellis.
Alan Ferber keeps casting his spell as a composer and arranger, and this renewed ensemble dances to his musical offerings with professionalism. It’s great to have musically rich moments like these at hand.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Up High, Down Low ► 02 - Brimstone Boogaloo ► 09 - Ice Fall