HIGH SOCIETY: JAZZ MASTERPIECES OF THE EARLY JAZZ ERA

There is no such thing as a dull performance from the Canadian Brass. From the start, this ensemble of undeniably talented musicians has always assured audiences a crowd-pleasing time, from their wide-ranging virtuosity to their wacky antics.
One area in which this ensemble has managed to set itself apart is in its ability to seamlessly cross between classical and jazz styles. And this disc is no exception. High Society features a wide range of jazz masterpieces from the Dixieland Era.

High Society is a program conceived and arranged with the help of Luther Henderson. The name may not be immediately familiar, but Henderson is one of those major behind-the-scenes musical figures. A Juilliard graduate, he forged a long relationship with Duke Ellington and worked with the likes of Rodgers and Hammerstein, all the while helping to establish the signature sound of American 20th century music.

Henderson was also a regular collaborator with the Canadian Brass, beginning in 1984 until his passing in 2003. He single-handedly arranged more than 130 innovative and creative pieces for the ensemble, including the 16 selections on High Society. What shines through on every track of this CD is not just the brass ensemble's virtuosity, but also Henderson's brilliant talent at arranging these classic jazz tunes. While Saint James Infirmary and Royal Garden Blues will sound quite familiar, the Canadian Brass's treatment of these songs (in state-of-the-art sound) gives listeners the jazz masterpieces in the way they were meant to be heard. Just try not to dance or sing along!

So go ahead and grab this CD and prepare yourself for another boisterous blend of music from today's leading brass ensemble. This recording will not disappoint!