This is a great idea. Rhythmically driven, groove based, colorfully orchestrated music with harmonic language that couldn’t be more perfect material for big band. But damn, doing the arrangements must have been some type of major undertaking. Luckily Darryl Brenzel was up to the task.
I love modern big band arrangers. These people are unbelievable orchestrators. The colors that they can create with the fixed instrumentation puts them on par with the best orchestral orchestrators. Some of the original music that Wynton Marsalis has done for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra or Dave Holland’s compositions are the obvious examples, but there is a big list of great jazz composers and arrangers that don’t really get as much attention as they deserve. Maria Schneider who just wrote a new string quartet for Kronos, or the folks associated with the military bands in DC such as Alan Baylock or Jen Krupa are lesser known examples. Darryl Brenzel is an obvious addition to my list of great ones.
He wrote a detailed blog that chronicles his entire process of doing the arrangement of Rite, and there is something in there for everyone. Everything from being asked to do it, to details about organizing his thoughts, struggles with reducing such a gigantic orchestral score, details of harmony and a million other things. Its worth a look. This is a great opportunity to have a window into the mind of a creator.
If you are anywhere near Baltimore on Wednesday (May 12) – go hear the premiere! It’s being presented by Mobtown Modern at Metro Gallery and more details can be found here. I wish I could be there. In the meantime if you can’t make it or you need more convincing, you can check out a few samples from the rehearsals here.
Congrats to Darryl and Mobtown Modern – great work.