Lark is nationally and internationally renowned as a Jazz educator, performer, composer, and clinician. A long-time head of Jazz Studies at DePaul University, his ensembles have been recognized as some of the premiere groups in the country, drawing acclaim from virtually all of the major Jazz publications in the United States. In addition to his being a top-notch Jazz educator, his resume of artists with whom he has performed and/or recorded includes Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Bob Brookmeyer, Louie Bellson, Slide Hampton, Bobby Shew, Ira Sullivan, Jim McNeeley and Jeff Hamilton, among many others.
There is an old saying which, unfortunately, rings very true concerning education and the professional sectors: "those who can't do, teach". Nothing could be further from the truth in the case of the esteemed Mr. Lark and company, which brings us to "Sweet Return".
From the opening of the Kenny Dorham classic, "Una Mas", to the close of "Just You, Just Me/Evidence", this is a recording that looks forward to the future of orchestrated Jazz, while fondly looking back on its storied past. Throughout the entire album, it is obvious that each and every person on it, and all of the arrangers, has a deep appreciation for the history of the music. It is remarkable to hear all of these new arrangements and, in the midst of them all, hear Gil Evans' arrangement of Leo Delibe's "The Maids Of Cadiz". To think that music written over half a century ago sounds every bit as modern as the rest of the album is a testament to the staying power of Evans' work, as well as the skilled writers that make up the rest of the album.
The band is made up of some of the best Jazz educators in the country, including Altoists Randy Hamm (Missouri State University; Springfield, Mo.) and Glenn Kostur (University Of New Mexico, Albequerque); Tenor Saxophonist Chris Madsen (University Of Illinois, Chicago); Trumpeters Brent Turney (University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point), Dan Jonas (California State University, Sacremento), and Kirk Garrison (Concordia University, Chicago); Trombonists Andy Baker (University Of Illinois, Chicago), Tim Coffman and Thomas Matta (DePaul University, Chicago); Pianist Mike Stryker (Western Illinois University; Macomb, Illinois) and Drummer Bob Rummage (DePaul University, Chicago).
"Sweet Return" is a perfect mixture of old classics, originals and some things that are often overlooked.
Bass Trombonist Thomas Matta's take on "Bye, Bye Blackbird" is a perfect vehicle for the leader and Tenor man Scott Burns to stretch out and trade off. "Take The 'A' Train" is probably the most ambitious chart of from the sessions, contributed by Saxophonist Andrew Janak. This one bears repeated listening, as there is a LOT going on!
Lark's own original, "Rum Point", scored by Tenor Saxophonist Chris Madsen (a former student of Lark) is a relaxed Bossa, reminiscent of "Stella By Starlight", featuring the leader's Flugelhorn, along with Mike Stryker on Piano and Tim Coffman on Trombone. Another Lark original, "A Narrow Path", borrows its chordal framework from John Coltrane's "Giant Steps", and featuring the composer on Trumpet, Tenor Saxophonist Chris Madsen and Trombonist Andy Baker.
A pleasant surprise was the inclusion of Paul McKee's arrangement of "Just You, Just Me/Evidence", combining the grand old standard and the head written over the changes by Thelonious Monk. Solos by Lark on Trumpet, Scott Burns on Tenor and Glenn Kostur on Alto, top off a fantastic re-working of a great old tune by arranger McKee.
Hands down, the most beautiful track on the album is Jimmy Rowles' best known composition "The Peacocks" (originally recorded by Rowles and Stan Getz), as arranged by Chicago Bassist Matt Ulery. The leader's Trumpet sings over the top of the ensemble, in a mournful, Miles-like wail that still remains all Lark. Also, note the beautiful lead Alto work of Randy Hamm. A hauntingly beautiful track.
For me, my personal favorite track of "Sweet Return" was Pianist Pete Benson's "The Last Time I Saw Paris". The tune is normally done as a schmaltzy, medium tempo, devoid of Swing. Benson's treatment delivers it as an out-and-out swinger, featuring himself on Piano and Lark on Trumpet, splitting a chorus. Trombonist Tim Coffman and Alto Saxophonist Randy Hamm contribute some of the tastiest solos on the album within this track. The highlight is the Saxophone soli. The tune is A-A-B-A in form. While the Saxes hold forth on the "A" sections, the chaotic bridge featuring the Brass in the midst of it give the track a bit of an unexpected turn before handing it back over to the Saxes. A matter of personal opinion, I find this particular arrangement and performance to be reminiscent of the late 40's Claude Thornhill band. Being a Thornhill fan, I find this track to be a welcome addition to the flow of the album.
In mentioning Thornhill, I find a parallel to his band and this album: the music sounds deceptively easy. Though some of the music is difficult and intense (I HAVE played some of this music, myself!), the Lark band comes across as sounding effortless in its execution. There is a very relaxed feel to this album, without losing the drive, intensity and excitement inherent to the Big Band sound.
This is an outstanding recording that deserves wider recognition. The majority of this band is made up of not only great musicians but outstanding teachers. With people like this setting quite an example of musicianship for young people to emulate, the future of Jazz Education is in great hands. With players and arrangers like this, the future of the music is in equally great hands.
1) Una Mas (Arranged By Darryl Wyatt)
2) Bye, Bye Blackbird (Arranged By Thomas Matta)
3) The Maids Of Cadiz (Arranged By Gil Evans)
4) Take The "A" Train (Arranged By Andrew Janak)
5) Rum Point (Arranged By Chris Madsen)
6) The Last Time I Saw Paris (Arranged By Pete Benson)
7) A Narrow Path (Arranged By Chris Madsen)
8) The Peacocks (Arranged By Matt Ulery)
9) Old School (Arranged By Andrew Janak)
10) Just You, Just Me/Evidence (Arranged By Paul McKee)
Leader, Trumpet & Flugelhorn - Bob Lark
Saxophones:
Lead Alto & Soprano - Randy Hamm
Alto - Glenn Kostur
Tenor - Scott Burns
Tenor - Chris Madsen
Baritone - Mark Hiebert
Trumpet & Flugelhorn:
Brent Turney (Lead)
Dan Jonas
Marques Carroll
Kirk Garrison
Trombones:
Andy Baker (Lead)
Tim Coffman
Craig Sunken
Thomas Matta (Bass)
Drums - Bob Rummage
Bass - Joe Policastro
Piano - Mike Stryker (Tracks 1-3, 5 & 9)
Piano - Pete Benson (Tracks 4, 6-8 & 10)
Reviewed By Brent Vaughan
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