This is the first Europlane Orchestra recording from the 1990s.This marked Roberto Magris return to straight ahead jazz, after three years of playing acid jazz with his band DMA.
This band was funded by the EEC… is based in Trieste and has Roberto Magris as pianist,composer,and leader.
The other musicians are Julius Baros(trumpet),Marko Lackner(alto sax),Marco Castelli(soprano and tenor saxes),Lojze Krajncan(trombone),Darko Jurkovic(guitar)Frantsek Uhlir(bass), and Gabriele Centris (drums).
Of the seven compositions on the CD L Krajncan has one and all the others are by Roberto Magris…either originals or standards arranged by Magris.
This is a far more modern big band, than the usual 1940s style swing…and Roberto has succeeded.
Firstly there is the strong Jobim/Mendes Brazilian bossa nova feel…
Secondly there is the funky riffing quality…that I am familiar with from Herbie Mann, Oscar Peterson, Ray Charles, The Quincy Jones orchestra, George Benson,.. and many more 60s jazz recordings.
The guitarist Darko Jurkovic is so Bensonish…Lady Day said” It is easy for us Afro Americans…we grow up with the music.. but it is so much harder for musicians from Eastern Europe…they have to work a lot harder to get to a high standard in jazz”.
Yes this band has succeeded ,avoiding cliches, taking their start from the less obvious and connecting with their audience on this live recording.
Geoffrey Totton
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