1. EQUESTRIAN INTERLUDE 2. DON T CALL BEFORE 10 3. LADO A LADO 4. AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT 5. THE SORCERER 6. SHIMMY! 7. OH BROTHER 8. COLOUR CONTRAST 9. HONEYMOON PHASE 10. THE SAME OLD YOU WITH THE SAME OLD BLUES
Description:
"Meets Brian Charette" on CD brings the powerful sound of the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra together with the inventive, modern voice of organist Brian Charette. This album captures a dynamic meeting between a contemporary big band and one of today's most distinctive Hammond organ stylists, resulting in a recording that combines orchestral richness with agile, groove-oriented improvisation. Listeners can expect harmonically sophisticated arrangements, tight ensemble playing, and extended solos that explore both lyrical and edgy territories. Stylistically, the music moves between straight-ahead big-band jazz, modern swing, and more groove-driven passages that highlight the organ's warmth and rhythmic drive, creating an engaging balance of tradition and modernity. The CD format emphasizes the natural depth and dynamics of a large ensemble, making it an ideal medium for enjoying the full sonic impact of brass, reeds, rhythm section, and organ in a carefully produced studio sound.
The Vancouver Jazz Orchestra is a large ensemble dedicated to contemporary big-band jazz, bringing together some of the most skilled jazz musicians from the Vancouver scene. Known for precise ensemble work and adventurous arrangements, the orchestra focuses on sophisticated writing while leaving ample space for soloists to shine. Its projects often center around collaborations with prominent guest artists, showcasing different musical voices in a big-band setting. Through concerts and recordings, the ensemble has helped sustain and further develop the big-band tradition on Canada's West Coast, combining respect for classic arranging with a fresh, forward-looking approach.
Cellar Live is an independent jazz label with strong roots in the Vancouver jazz community. Emerging from the scene around the renowned Cellar Jazz Club, the label has made it a mission to document high-quality jazz performances and creative projects that may not find a home with major labels. Cellar Live is respected among jazz listeners for its artist-focused ethos, attentive production values, and catalogue that ranges from straight-ahead sessions to more modern, exploratory works. By consistently championing jazz musicians and ensembles from Canada and beyond, the label has become a notable voice in contemporary jazz recording, valued for authenticity, musical integrity, and a deep commitment to the art form.
The artist Brian Charette is mentioned in the album title as the featured collaborator and is widely recognized in the jazz world as a leading modern organist. He is known for his inventive approach to the Hammond organ, combining deep knowledge of the jazz tradition with a contemporary sense of harmony and rhythm. Charette has established an international reputation through his work as a bandleader and sideman, his performances at major jazz venues and festivals, and his contributions to the ongoing evolution of organ jazz. His collaborations with ensembles like the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra underline his status as a sought-after musician, admired for both his technical mastery and his original musical voice.