By Esther Callens
Some fantastic compositions can be heard when listening to the jazz ensemble Resonance. Their latest CD, Introductions, is a wonderful collection of classical, standard, and pop tunes. It is absolutely magnificent.
Resonance is a jazz octet that is comprised of the perfect collection of musicians. They incorporate a synthesis of sound that rivals that of a full orchestra which is in contrast from when they first started. In their release, it states “Formed in 2006, Resonance has grown from its original members, Stephen McQuarry: leader/piano/compositions/arrangements and Georgianna Krieger: saxophones into a full jazz ensemble. Resonance is a jazz octet that also includes Laura Austin Wiley: flutes/vocal; Michele Walther: violin; Michelle Mastin: viola, Nancy Bein: cello; Ted Burik: double bass and Greg German: drums.
This jazz ensemble is adding to the long music history of the San Francisco-Bay Area California, with its unique instrumentation. The result is a rich fusion of orchestral and big band sounds.”
There is nearly an hour’s worth of enjoyable melodies on Introductions, of which most are some exceptional standards. The set opens with an amazing arrangement of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s “Eleanor Rigby”. The piano work on this track alone is outstanding. The take on “In A Sentimental Mood” (Duke Ellington’s) is nothing short of intoxicating as the cello and sax takes this classic higher. The Latin tinged “Gaviota” (Claire Fischer) is an all-around fantastic number. The mid tempo tune, “The Journey Of Each Other” and the danceable “See You Next Wednesday” are the two flawless originals that Stephen McQuarry featured on this project. With Introduction, Resonance made a grand entry into the jazz industry – cannot wait for their sequel.
Track listings: Eleanor Rigby; Gemini; In A Sentimental Mood; Opus 1; Gaviota; Prelude/So What; Jupiter; The Journey Of Each Other/ Moon And Sand; See You Next Wednesday; Song To John Pt. 1; Song To john Pt. 2.
