Search - Andy Jaffe :: Manhattan Projections

Great Ensemble, Interesting Arrangements

Matthew Ellis | 06/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recently re-released album by composer, educator, and pianist Andy Jaffe would make an excellent addition to any jazz collection. "Manhattan Projections" features a score of original works by Jaffe written for a very uniquely-blended sextet, which actually includes Branford Marsalis on tenor and soprano saxophones. Jaffe's arrangements are tight and intricate. He has a keen ear for musical "color," blending the instruments in new and interesting ways, and he even throws a french horn into the mix on a few tunes. Jaffe also writes chord progressions that often surprised me, shying away from conventional II-V patterns and exploring new harmonies. You can hear a bit of Horace Silver in Jaffe's writing, although Jaffe is never unoriginal.These complex tunes would accordingly provide new challenges for the soloists, but they all play quite masterfully. I especially enjoyed Jaffe's piano solos on his exciting Latin track "Samba de Saudade" and the slower, sultrier "Dersu." Marsalis and Ed Jackson (from the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet) also shine throughout.Finally, the album comprises a nice mix of tunes. Jaffe demonstrates that he can successfully write many different styles -- "Manhattan Projections" has blues, ballads, Latin, straight ahead, a 5/4 bop tune, just to name a few.For a fresh sound, interesting solos, and exciting ensemble-writing, definitely check out this album by the Andy Jaffe Sextet."