Ed Partyka & UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra In The Tradition

The music delivers what the title In The Tradition promises. Without a doubt, the Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra is in the tradition of the big jazz bands. It starts with the formal: Fletcher Henderson, Earl Hines, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and Gil Evans all called their large formations »Orchestra« – and not Big Band. In doing so, they emphasized that they were leading a continuously working ensemble that, as a jazz orchestra, pursued the same high standards as classical orchestras.
The compositions and arrangements by Ed Partyka are part of their line of tradition. Like the great band leaders of the past, he treats his orchestra as a multi-layered instrument whose timbres he uses with all sophistication. The Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra plays polyphonic wind sections, sometimes crisp like Count Basie, sometimes sonorous like Duke Ellington, sometimes elegant like his teacher, the composer and arranger Bob Brookmeyer. Anyone - like Ed Partyka - who unites these extremes as coherently as if they always belonged together, knows his trade. In doing so, he creates something new because, despite all the historical references, his orchestra does not imitate any of these historical models.
Ed Partyka's imagination and skill extend far beyond the industry standard big band arrangements. Where others would write extensively, he relies on powerful rhythms, voluminous wind instruments, precise breaks, delicate interludes, dynamic finesse and complex voice leading with a fine feeling. He also underscores the instrumental solos and the singer Julia Oschewsky with finely graded orchestral colors – this too is a sign of high musical quality. Top soloists crown these complex arrangements.
The recording from the Ludwigsburg Bauer Studios gives the opportunity to capture the depth of the sound of the Ed Partyka Jazz Orchestra. Despite the orchestral wealth, they are so transparent that each individual instrument can be clearly located and traced. A wonderful album for the jazz orchestra connoisseur.
»This record is an event .​.​.​ The attraction for the audiophile-oriented jazz lover lies not least in the excellent sound quality, which in its three-dimensionality, natural colors and breathing dynamics is actually reminiscent of a live concert experience - almost from the studio straight into the living room.​« (Stereo, March 2019)

Features:

• 180g Vinyl
• Gatefold Cover

Selections:

Side A
1. Charlie Chan
2. Photographs
3. Sophisticated Lady
Side B
1. Trouble & Woe
2. The Great City
3. 3 o'clock blues