There is an international stable of big bands with illustrious histories as institutions (Trondheim in Norway, Lincoln Center in America, Orchestre National de Jazz in France) that nurture successive generations of players and choose repertoires to celebrate key figures in the jazz canon while providing a platform for newer composers. UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra definitely ranks among these, with a four-decade discography that includes performances of the songbook of Finnish legends such as Olli Ahvenlahti and American pioneers, from Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Muhal Richard Abrams.
Here the featured guest composer-conductor is Ed Partyka, who, like Abrams, hails from Chicago but has been a resident in Europe for some 30 years. A bass trombonist as well as a composer, Partyka’s stylistic approach reflects the myriad traditions of orchestral jazz rather than adhering to a single one. He uses the full resources of the 17-piece unit with aplomb, understanding that he does not need to activate every cog in the well-oiled machine to generate energy or excitement.
There is a substantial amount of breathing space in the scores, with the brass often inflected toward soft, muted shades rather than bursting into life at every possible juncture. With a nod to Gil Evans, another figure who broadened the palette of post-Ellington groups, Partyka adeptly manipulates large blocks of sound, making them shuttle slowly and enticingly over a harmonic course without overly frantic splashes of color. The low register is solidified by the presence of bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, and baritone saxophone, and the discreet Latin inflections of some pieces add to the sensual haze of the material.
The skillfully mapped solos of trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski are another highlight, showcasing the trombone’s ability to move easily from romantic inclination to volcanic explosion. UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra maintains its track record of working with the right people on the right music at the right time.
UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra: Last Dance – New Music for Jazz Orchestra by Ed Partyka
Neuklang, 2022
