Stockholm JazzOrchestra Tango [CD-525]

Founded in 1984, the Stockholm JazzOrchestra (SJO) has developed into one of Europe's most prominent jazz big bands.   Led by Musical Director Fredrik Noren, the group has toured Europe and recorded with some of today's leaders in jazz, including Bob Mintzer, Bob Brookmeyer, Bill Holman, Maria Schneider and Jim McNeely.   With the release of "Tango" on dmp, the SJO is destined to get the international recognition it so richly deserves. "Tango" was conceived by Argentinean trumpeter Gustavo Bergalli, who is no stranger to the tango style music of Buenos Aires that originated at the beginning of the 20th century.   Bergalli knew that tango music arranged for a jazz orchestra with jazz soloists would result in a uniquely accessible sound.   The concept was presented to both Fredrik Noren and the esteemed arranger composer Carlos Franzetti, both of whom Bergalli had worked with in the past.   Adding to the authenticity of the project was the introduction of the bandoneon, an instrument specifically used in tango music, played here by the world famous Juan-Jose Mosalini. "Perhaps the most important thing that I kept in mind when writing these arrangements was to keep the essence of tango and translate this visceral experience into another dimension," explained Carlos Franzetti.   Well known tangos performed for this recording include Revolucionario, La Ultima Curda, and Nostalgico.   Franzetti also penned three powerful original compositions in Capicua, Milonga Rea and Tango Fatal that complete a unique and dynamic program. "Tango" was recorded live to 2-track at Swedish Radio in Stockholm by Tom Jung using a new recording process called Direct Stream Digitaltm.   DSDtm is a high resolution system developed by Sony and Philips that delivers a more inviting listening experience with improved depth and realism.   While the DSD's superior sound will be best realized with the forthcoming Super Audio CD (SACD), much of the added resolution is retained on this recording through an elaborate multi-bit rendering process creating a standard 16-Bit/44-kHz compact disc.