This orchestral set might appeal more to disciples of the Gil Evans/Miles Davis vintage of orchestral jazz than followers of more wayward postmodernists such as Loose Tubes or Darcy James Argue. But it’s a fine showcase for British flugelhornist and trumpeter Gerard Presencer, who played a key role, aged18, on Blue Note’s 90s chart hit Cantaloop and joined Denmark’s Radio Big Band in 2010. As principal soloist, his speed of thought, clarity and warmth are evident in this session featuring his own tunes and sophisticated arrangements. There are powerful groovers such as Blues for Des, with its snappy flugel intro and seesawing ensemble hook, and the rocking Devil’s Larder, with its multi-tracked double-orchestra roar. Presencer interprets Eleanor Rigby in quiet theme statements and effortlessly skimming double-time, and Wayne Shorter’s Footprints discreetly resembles an Evans-like brass-and-reeds purr; winding up as a skipping dance over the finale. It’s almost too glossy, but it is nevertheless an immaculately crafted orchestral venture with some seductive world-music touches.
