This month , KIOS shines a spotlight on a delightful new recording by a very talented composer, arranger and conductor David Caffey and his jazz orchestra . The new disc is Enter Autumn available on the Artist Alliance label.
Caffey has served on the faculty at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley since 2005 and has assembled a stellar group of musicians for this new project from the Denver and northern Colorado region.
There are eight numbers on the program. Six are originals from Caffey . The set opens with an energetic reading of Freddie Hubbard's "Birdlike" featuring trumpeter Brad Goode, a Chicago native now residing in Boulder, Colorado.
Caffey also does a fine arrangement of a Michael Brecker's tune "Both Sides Of The Coin". The band sounds like they've been playing together for years and Caffey allows plenty of space for the players to solo. Steve Kovalcheck on guitar and Peter Sommer on tenor give it their all on this one.
Among the originals, "Enter Autumn" has a Latin feel to it at a medium tempo. Perfect for a Sunday drive in the country to look at the beautiful fall foliage. Kenyon Brenner has a fine tenor solo here. The tune was inspired by walks Caffey took through a park near his home while recovering from shoulder surgery.
This new release is a welcome one this fall as we head toward the end of the year. It is one of several big band sessions in 2015 that will make you sit up and take notice. It has all the ingredients needed for many hours of enjoyment. When it ends you will want to push play and start over again at the first track. Caffey has produced something special here.
