All Angles Orchestra - New Angle

Available through Outside In Music.

Order a physical copy here.

 

The All Angles Orchestra is a 15-piece ensemble that forces the classical and jazz worlds to collide. The combination of orchestral woodwinds, a string quartet, a mix of brass instruments, and a jazz rhythm section allows the group to produce a wide variety of amazing colors and textures, serving as the perfect creative vehicle for a few young jazz composers on the rise. Having already earned five DownBeat Awards and four Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards for his writing (among other accolades), Mike Conrad finds the All Angles Orchestra pushing his compositions in new and exciting directions. His original music is showcased alongside pieces by Greg Weis and Tom Amend.

 

This group’s debut album, New Angle, features Alex Sipiagin, the incredible trumpet player and veteran of groups like the Dave Holland Big Band, the Michael Brecker Quindectet, and Mingus Dynasty. Alex calls the All Angles Orchestra an “absolutely amazing team” and describes the project as “a small group mentality with a large orchestra sound.”

 

Some jazz albums seem to just slap a string quartet on top as almost an afterthought. That is decidedly not the case here. The compositions weave together the various instruments from cello to oboe to marimba in an inventive and intriguing way, while showcasing Alex Sipigian’s outstanding musicianship and dazzling technique. New Angle by the All Angles Orchestra will remind listeners of the 2007 release, Song for Anyone by Chris Potter as well as Michael Brecker’s 2004 release, Wide Angles, which won the Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and also featured Alex Sipiagin.

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In 2018, The All Angles Orchestra performed a live tribute to the Brecker Brothers with Randy Brecker and Bob Sheppard.

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The All Angles Orchestra was selected by DownBeat Magazine as the Graduate College Winner in the Large Ensemble Category.

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