Mike Dana Jazz Orchestra – Farther (Still)

Among the heavyweight contenders in this autumn’s crop of releases, we find the Mike Dana Jazz Orchestra. Although its sections are smaller than those of a conventionally constituted big band, the ensemble brings in a roster of distinguished guests who add yet more power to the prevailing musical breeze.

As the tracks unfold, we encounter Ingrid Jensen, Eric Marienthal, Bob Mintzer and Tim Ries. An impressive lineup indeed, and all the more remarkable when you consider the circumstances under which this recording was made: the musicians were scattered across different locations, with each part recorded individually and then transmitted electronically. It is also worth highlighting the presence of oboe and bassoon, rare additions to a jazz ensemble and certainly deserving of special mention.

Composer, arranger, guitarist and educator Mike Dana presents his vision of composition and instrumentation through a program of original pieces alongside two standards, The More I See You and You Don’t Know What Love Is. Listening to the ensemble’s beautifully integrated harmonies, it is hard to imagine that these musicians have never actually played together in the same room. And yet, that is precisely the case…

The balance between brass and woodwinds is remarkably well judged, while the ensemble gives the soloists plenty of expressive room to shine. The rhythm section is further bolstered by a percussionist, adding extra vitality to the groove. The writing is so finely honed that one might fear it leaves little room for improvisation, with the arrangements threatening to smooth out every spontaneous impulse. Nothing could be further from the truth, as demonstrated by Bob Mintzer’s winding explorations on It’s Just a Phase and Ingrid Jensen’s adventurous lines on December.

The addition of woodwind instruments rarely heard in this type of lineup lends the music an occasional symphonic hue, without compromising the modern writing that serves a contemporary jazz language firmly rooted in more traditional sonorities.

Special mention should also go to the prominent bass-trombone parts, as well as the way the leader’s guitar is brought to the fore within this brass-rich collective.

Finally, pianist George Stone deserves particular praise: his powerful melodic grounding provides a seamless link between the different sections.

This is a particularly expressive and buoyant big band, serving brilliantly crafted compositions that offer a contemporary take on jazz as it continues to evolve creatively. The solo contributions are so distinctive that, at times, the music almost suggests a succession of small combos gathered within a single ensemble. A finely engineered musical machine.

Line Up:

David Becker – alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet
Ron McCarley – alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet
Michael Mull – baritone saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet
Jessica Hoffman – oboe
Lisa Nauful – bassoon
Wayne Bergeron – trumpet
Daniel Rosenboom – trumpet
Alex Iles – trombone
Alan Ferber – trombone
Joe Turgeon – bass trombone
Mike Dana – guitar
George Stone – piano, keyboards
Ron Suffredini – double bass
Dave Tull – drums
Brian Kilgore – percussion

Guest musicians

Aaron Janik – trumpet (1, 5, 7)
Ingrid Jensen – trumpet (2, 8)
Eric Marienthal – alto saxophone (5, 9)
Bob Mintzer – tenor saxophone (3, 5, 6)
Tim Ries – soprano saxophone (4), tenor saxophone (8)

Farther (Still), Hit Couleurs Jazz et Best of the Month, was released by the label Origin Records on September 18, 2026.