submitted on Sat, 02/23/2008 - 07:06 in Jazz Group by Mike_Longo 
The Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra returns with its second CD, Invitation, playing music that includes bop, salsa and samba. Much of it sits well within the confines of the orchestra.
Eskovitz wrote all of the compositions except two, which stand out not only for their arrangements, but for the way the soloists keep the groove alive. The first of these is Herb Ellis' a€oeDetour Ahead." Eskovitza€(TM)s tenor saxophone dips into the melody with becoming warmth, while the horns form a velvet backdrop. He turns his phrases around just enough for impact. The other cover is a€oeRed Clay.a€ The whole is grasped compactly by the soloists, beginning with Andrew Lippman on the trombone. Jeff Jarvis is incisive on the trumpet and Ian Robbins shows a nice flow of ideas on the guitar. Eskovitz cuts a deeper swath on the tenor with burly, flying notes before Adam Cohen casts a lighter shadow on the electric bass by staying in a compact groove. The appeal is enhanced by the luminous lines of the orchestra...
Source: allaboutjazz
Author: Jerry D'Souza
