Roland Vazquez Band
The Visitor
www.rolandvazquez.com
By George W. Harris

This ambitious recording is a result of composer/conductor Roland
Vazquez receiving a recording grant from the Aaron Copland Fund. It was
money well spent, as the music is a mix of Ellingtonian rich harmonies
and section work, tied together some delectably spicy latin percussion
which keeps the sophisticated sounds able to reach both head and soul.
The 18 piece band is amazingly light on its feet, as it prances
through funky tunes like “Whirlpool” as well as the eloquent chamber
jazzed “The Path Of Change.” While there are excellent solos
throughout by Joel Frahm/ts, Aaron Heick/as and Luis Perdomo/p, the
real heroes are the individual sections themselves, as they weave in
and out of the spotlight like teammates on “Dancing With The Stars,”
and veer back and forth in exciting forays. Songs like “Urantia” and
“Sevilla” are like percolating tone poems that reflect moods and
scenes, while “Guarabe” has the brass section delivering sonic delight.
A real treat for big band fans.