Jazz bands don’t last long enough. So many times you only hear the alchemy between a given ensemble for one recording and then things change up before the next trip to the recording studio. It is so rewarding when you hear an ensemble stick together and grow. Joan Hutton and Sue Orfield did just that for their sophomore release Splash. Not only are Hutton and Orfield again back to handle frontline horn duties, they have also continued to work with Kameron Markworth (bass), Ted Godbout (piano) and David Schmalenberger (drums). The band has gelled even further than they did on their debut record with exciting arrangement choices*. The groove on “Atari Afternoon” conjures the sense of adventure, mischief and youthful ebullience I associate with an afternoon well-spent in front of a game console. Dig in and enjoy the sounds and demand that the band brings us a third record, cause things keep getting better! -Sean McPherson
*a bass solo in the middle of the soloists?? The piano sitting out for the first couple minutes? My word!
