WIL SWINDLER'S ELEVENET

Universe B

2011-01-29

How many musicians does it take to make a big band? I don’t think the answer is eleven. However, Wil Swindler’s Elevenet is a bit large to be called an intimate jazz ensemble and a bit small to be called a big band. There are elements of both though, on this first release from the band. No offense to Gil Evans (“Miles Ahead”) or Billy Strayhorn (“A Flower is a Lovesome Thing”), but the best arrangements here are the Wil Swindler originals, “Glass” being one of them. It was commissioned in honor of Gil Evans by the International Association for Jazz Education (Wil Swindler won the honor as the recipient of the 2008 Gil Evans Fellowship). The title track is another awesome original. My favorite piece, however, has to be the nicely complicated “Wowbagger”, and the fact that it references a Douglas Adams character earns Mr. Swindler my utmost respect. Rebecca Ruth 3/5 Stars

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 03/2014

    FOG
    TRI Sessions Vol. 1

  • reviewed 11/2004

    The Yohimbe Brothers
    The Tao of Yo

  • reviewed 06/2017

    Angie Wells & Raphael Lemonnier
    Love And Mischief

  • reviewed 06/2005

    MeShell Ndegeocello
    The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel

  • reviewed 03/2011

    THE NIGHTCRAWLERS
    Down in the Bottom

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Katie Melua
    Call Off the Search

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.