If a repertory orchestra is going to do something, it might as well go big. Here,
the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, in combination with
the Oregon Repertory Singers and a handful of guests, take on music from
Duke Ellington's three
Sacred Music concerts. The performances are flawless, running the range from
gospel to
jazz to something mighty close to American
opera, with nary a false note. And the compositions are of the highest caliber, of course essentially by definition, given their creator. An excellent album, with work rivaled only by the original performances from
Duke and his band. However, even
Duke would be impressed with their rendition of
"In the Beginning God." ~ Adam Greenberg
