Back To Bach

David Matthews & Manhattan Jazz Orchestra

3*** By All Music Guide.

Tracklisting:

1. Toccata and Fugue - Bach 6:39
Composed by: Bach
Performed by: Matthews, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra
2. Air on the G String - Bach 9:21
Composed by: Bach
Performed by: Matthews, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra
3. Invention No. 4 - Bach 6:05
Composed by: Bach
Performed by: Matthews, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra
4. Kyrie - Bach 8:17
Composed by: Bach
Performed by: Matthews, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra
5. Minute (A Lover's Concerto) - Bach 7:10
Composed by: Bach
Performed by: Matthews, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra
6. Siciliano - Bach 7:48
Composed by: Bach
Performed by: Matthews, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra
7. Fugue No. 2 - Bach 7:32
Composed by: Bach
Performed by: Matthews, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra


-------------------------------------------------

Review:

"David Matthews' arrangements of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach for the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra are ambitious, to say the least. Eschewing any keyboard instruments, he relies on the considerable chops of his 16-piece big band to follow his demanding charts. The opening track, "Toccata and Fugue (In D Minor)," is probably his greatest success, with a driving, up-tempo performance that proves exhilarating. The use of muted trumpets and brushes to introduce "Minuet (A Lover's Concerto)" and the surprising twists that slip into his charts are noteworthy. Sadly, none of the soloists are identified in Kazutomi Aoki's liner notes, though there are several outstanding trumpet solos. Unfortunately, many of the slower pieces such as the ponderous "Kyrie," although well executed, just don't keep one's attention, and as a result, it is difficult to listen to the entire CD at once. There's no questioning the musicianship within this release, but it falls short of being an essential purchase for those who enjoy Baroque music transformed into a jazz setting."

Richard Ginell -All Music Guide