Album Review
Formed in the late '90s as "the Brooklyn Four Plus One" under the direction of composer and veteran jazz drummer Wade Barnes — whose credits include Les Paul, Doc Cheatham and Billy Mitchell — this formidable jazz/big band ensemble is comprised of Brooklynites deeply rooted in America's musical culture. Great ambassadors for their city and sound, they've conducted performances, clinics and symposia for audiences throughout the U.S. While this set starts out a bit melodramatically with lengthy arrangements for vocals (by the gospel influenced Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch) designed to make big social statements ("Blowing in the Wind," "King"), the tracks feature sharp horn arrangements and several strong solos (by pianist Jon Nam and vibist Bill Ware) that indicate better things to come. The Brooklyn Repertory Ensemble is more engaging on the hypnotic and minor chorded Barnes-composed instrumental "Passive Volition," which features another elegant piano solo by Nam and a moody stretch by bass trombonist Dale Turk. The true optimism finally emerges, however on another Barnes composition, "The Power of Feeling," whose sunny brass melody gives way to a crisp Wes Montgomery styled guitar solo by Yoshiki Miura; "The Power of Thought" and the dual set of "Big Little Sis" and "Little Big Sis" are similarly bold, bright and compelling. Barnes' instrumental originals are so strong and effortless that, while well-intentioned, the vocal covers (including "Body and Soul") seem overlabored. More Barnes originals would have inspired a great sense of optimism.
