Swiss Youth Jazz Orchestra: Heaven Help Us All

Here is an interesting project by the Swiss Youth Jazz Orchestra. What makes this unique is the background history behind the project. In 1992 the Bandstand Learning with Role Models project began with high caliber professional musicians guiding younger musicians in order to promote music and culture throughout the world. In the past musicians such as Randy Brecker, Victor Lewis, Christian Jacob and many more have contributed to the project. This time around we have the Swiss Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by Fritz K Renold and performing with Oli Rockberger (vocals, keyboards), Frank Greene (trumpet), Tony Lakatos (tenor sax), Marques Young (trombone), Neil Jason (bass) and Billy Cobham (drums).

Heaven Help Us All was recorded live at the Jazzar Festival in Aarau, Switzerland on April 16, 2016. On the album the orchestra veers into soulful jazz, especially on the smooth first track "Overture" with an almost glistening poppy feel but the horn rhythms bring us back to jazz. On "Ridiculous" the vocals and piano are quite lovely as the soulful vibe continues leading into some clean guitar work and a riveting trumpet solo. Next is the catchy "Street Life", one part ballad and three parts funky soul with some delicious sax and deep bass grooves followed by the smooth soul jazz of "Red Baron". Really, Heaven Help Us All is a nice listen brimming with fine melodies, soulful lead vocals and of course top quality soul and jazz. Listening to this really took me back to another era and I am grateful for having made the trip.

Track Listing:
1. Overture (1:53)
2. Ridiculous (6:18)
3. Street Life (6:12)
4. Red Baron (7:11)
5. Afro Blue (4:57)
6. Crosswinds (3:55)
7. Blues For George (9:38)
8. My Old Life (6:20)
9. Canteloupe Island (3:09)
10. Mercy Mercy Mercy (4:51)
11. No Way Boss (7:46)
12. Sitting In The Dock Of The Bay (4:13)
13. Heaven Help Us All (5:00)

Added: January 29th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 1414
Language: english

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