Western Jazz Collective - Dark Journey: The Music of Andrew Rathbun (CD)

The Jazz faculty that Western Michigan University quietly assembled over the years is an impressive collection of internationally significant artists. Having gathered in Kalamazoo from their bases in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, the teaching colleagues became bandmates with the formation of the Western Jazz Collective, and "Dark Journey" reveals the magic when time, place and happenstance collides. Offering new views into the music of saxophonist/composer Andrew Rathbun, the septet of Rathbun, trumpeter Scott Cowan, guitarist Matt Landon, pianist Matthew Fries, bassist John Hebert, and drummer Keith Hall, along with the special vocalese contributions of Greg Jasperse, unveil expansive musical landscapes, rich in nuance, dynamics and texture. "... Rathbun deserves to be ranked among today & rsquo;s top arrangers/composers." JAZZIZ. Rathbun's lines dance and glide, reflecting both childlike wonder and well-honed artistry. - JazzTimes.