Jared Schonig - Two Takes, Vol. 2: Big Band (2021) [Hi-Res]

Jazz soars with rhythmic, harmonic and melodic luminosity in a variety of settings—solo, duo, trio, quartet, quintet and so on— but there’s nothing like being swept into the frothy tides of an instrumental community in which upwards of 18 members assemble to embrace and exchange notes.

Today’s jazz scene flourishes with upstart big bands propelling the tradition forward. For his Two Takes Vol. 2: Big Band album, Jared taps into the deep well of renowned New York- and Miami-based arrangers and composers—Alan Ferber, Jim McNeely, Mike Holober, Miho Hazama, Darcy James Argue, Laurence Hobgood, Brian Krock and John Daversa explore where they could take his compositions. (He also showcased these tunes with his smaller band on Two Takes Vol. 1: Quintet.)

Reeds: Jon Gordon, Charles Pillow, Dave Pietro, Ben Kono, Donny McCaslin, Donny McCaslin, Troy Roberts, Quinson Nachoff, Carl Maraghi

Trumpets: Tony Kadleck, Jon Owens, Brian Pareschi, Jonathan Powell, Scott Wendholt

Trombones: Michael Davis, Marshall Gilkes, Keith O’Quinn, Alan Ferber, Jeff Nelson

Bass: Ike Sturm, Matt Clohesy, Dan Loomis
Piano: Adam Birnbaum, David Cook
Guitar: Nir Felder
Drums: Jared Schonig
Conducted by Matt Holman

Recorded by James Farber at Oktaven Studios, Mixed by Brian Montgomery, Mastered by Mark Wilder

Produced by Mike Holober and Jared Schonig