The great Leonard Bernstein would recognise a kindred spirit in Nils Landgren, the Swedish trombonist, singer and all-round musical prodigy who conceived this expansive tribute to him. Combining his own jazz quartet, the voice of Janis Siegel (Manhattan Transfer), the Bochum Symphony Orchestra and star arranger Vince Mendoza, Landgren achieves exactly the right blend of classical and popular modes. The 12 pieces include tunes from West Side Story – among them a version of America for multitracked trombones – with a gorgeous version of Lonely Town from Siegel and, to close, Landgren’s own warm, elegant improvisation on a melody from Bernstein’s 1971 Mass.
