*** 1/2 KEN SCHAPHORST BIG BAND, “Purple,” Naxos Jazz

Boston-product, Wisconsin-based composer-bandleader Schaphorst has a sense of orchestralcolor and rhythm unique in the world of big bands. The nine tunes here are given electric immediacy and a bit of grind thanks to Brad Shepik’s guitar and the Hammond organ of John Medeski (Medeski Martin & Wood), sounds that contrast well with warm blends of clarinet, trombone and fluegelhorn. Tunes move easily between moods and tempos, and Schaphorst’s subtle themes provide framing for improvisational sweeps. Medeski, saxophonists Donny McCaslin and Seamus Blake, pianist Uri Caine and trombonist Josh Roseman all make inspired statements. With “Purple,” Schaphorst establishes himself as an important writer out of the George Russell-Gil Evans traditions.

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