Arild Anderson

Celebration ECM ****

Big band albums of any hue are rare these days, but big band albums with double bass as the principle melodic instrument – well, this live recording of  music associated with the uber-modernist ECM label is definitely in a category of one. Norwegian Arild Andersen has been one of the stalwarts of the label since the 1960s.But in fact, this particular celebration was instigated by Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith who, aside from regular appearances with Andersen, is director of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, who greatly enhance their growing reputation here. Compositions by some of the label's biggest stars, including Jan Garbarek, Keith Jarrett, and Dave Holland, are each given a lush big band makeover, with Andersen's sonorous bass artfully capturing the essence of the originals. A unique and unusual celebration that deftly balances the new and the familiar. arildandersen.com