JC Sanford Orchestra: Views from the Inside

Views from the Inside
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Artist: JC Sanford Orchestra
Genre: Comedy
Label: Whirlwind

There's big bands, there's large ensembles and then there's orchestras. Brooklyn trombonist and composer JC Sanford's 15-piece orchestra is a motley affair by classical standards – like a school band made up of whatever instruments the students happen to play, but in a good way. The leader deploys his forces deliberately, finding room for vibraphone and accordion but only one violin and one cello. The result is a texturally unusual, episodic suite of compositions that nod to pioneers of the form (Bob Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, Kenny Wheeler) as well as the more mainstream sounds of Hollywood film and 1970s cop-show theme tunes. Of the 15, percussionist Satoshi Takeishi, vibraphonist Tom Beckham, and trumpeter Matt Holman are among the standouts.

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a musician, writer and director