A Blessing

Bring, engaging stuff that treads between modern jazz and modern classical -- this time with a big ensemble (see Hollenbeck's Claudia Quintet for similar stuff). The large format, with all its horns, brings out the more "jazz" side of Hollenbeck's pieces, but it's still centered on chamber jazz, stuff you might hear at an modern-art museum reception.

This is fun music -- don't let the "classical" comparison daunt you. Heavily composition-based with lots of interesting ideas and a crisp, tight sound.

1- Slow, comforting, with lyrics. Soft midtempo lines arise after -10:00. Unfolds like a sunrise, gets tangly. Ends slow again.
2- Ringing John Adams-like intro. Quiet piano/oboe middle building to a strong end.
3- Slow building chaos, then fast and dizzy. For Richard Muhal Abrams
4- High-energy chaos, starts from a fast drumbeat
5- Calm start / swirly fast chaos / sly, cool jazz feel / fast!
6- Midtempo skipping beat; more big-band jazz than reggae
7- Eerie vocal text w/music. Droney; smoothy robotic.