On a Turquoise Cloud

Chronique

Leave it to Clare Fischer, one of the most gifted, boundary-busting musicians ever, to come up with a totally new concept: the clarinet choir. It's a rich, satisfying sound of unusual texture, focusing on the deep and middle tones of the instrument, with additional colors supplied by electric piano, bass, drums, a tenor voice, flute, trombone, saxes, and a mellophone bugle. The choir is also doubled on five tracks. On the title tune, Fischer adapts Ellington's original voicings to produce the sensation of floating on a soft, jazzy cloud -- in fact, the whole session has a warm gentleness to it that's very relaxing. Fischer, whose innovative arrangements are legendary, applies his unique conception to interpretations of jazz, Brazilian music, blues, and Bach: his stately and gorgeous version of the familiar "String Suite" -- without strings -- is a highlight of the CD. There are swinging versions of Gerry Mulligan's "Westwood Walk" and Johnny Hodges' classic "Squatty Roo," and an original tribute to Fischer's 2000 trip to Brazil after many years of loving the music from afar: "Sonho," or "Dream." Also included are two bonus medley tracks, of Christmas songs and lullabies. This is a fascinating, consistently excellent project that will delight the jazz collector and please the more casual fan. Highly recommended.
© Judith Schlesinger /TiVo