Jim Doherty's SPONDANCE

SPONDANCE is the 1986 octet album of pianist Jim Doherty’s jazz suite, recorded with close friends Louis Stewart and Bobby Shew, and the cream of Los Angeles musicians (Bob Sheppard: alto, Gordon Brisker: tenor, Randy Aldcroft: trombone, Tom Warrington: bass, and Billy Mintz: drums). The six tracks deliver a fine example of modern jazz ensemble playing, including ballads, jazz-blues, Latin, bop, and swing, with great solos. The compositions are based on a strong narrative, linking the brass, woodwind and guitar with specific characters and scenarios, which in particular, influence the solos. Though recorded nearly 40 years ago, the suite maintains its vibrancy and relevance.