Article on new jazz american bandleaders, 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘨 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘥.
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“…Don't think this is a traditional swing big band or a mainstream jazz outfit. No, theBABAorchestra is an avant-garde big band, as you'll understand within a couple of minutes of listening to the first track…”
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“..The outcome is overflowing and with very few moments of respite, the listener receives what almost feels like a succession of encores. In the same time span you are being lulled into a tepid labyrinth of mystery, one is also suspended in the canopy of brilliant fifth dimension. UNCONDITIONAL RECOMMENDATION.”
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“…Marigold shows that [Lauren] Elizabeth Baba understands the inherent power and harmonic potential of the big band format. She honors the history of this medium while also pushing what it can do, reinforcing its relevance as a vehicle of the avant-garde and creative music. This is music of a higher purpose. Of 18 artists’ unhinged passion and energy. Art that captures this dynamic and soul is worth experiencing, celebrating and leveraging…”
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"…The suite runs for almost 42 minutes in a dazzling kaleidoscope of situations... An ambitious work that develops, from the austere and chamber music scene, into ever-changing and impressive musical paintings that alternate tensions and distances...Lauren Elizabeth Baba confirms herself as an innovative and eccentric bandleader. From a different aesthetic, it is the Californian response to the new arrangers operating in New York, such as Darcy James Argue and Michael Leonhart. The most adventurous big band on the west coast…”
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“…Plenty of credit goes to Baba and friends for producing an offering of unusual intensity and style. If there is any justice in the world, Marigold will show up on many best-of-year lists. Bravo.”
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“…Attending a live show of this would be both a thrill and experience not soon, if ever, forgotten. With the beautiful blend of angular rhythms, multiple textures, direction changes galore, cross culture unpredictable next moments, rich tapestry, and bold fusion, you will thank me for VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this superlative work…"
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" ... In 2016, Baba gathered 17 friends to record. The big band recorded half a dozen tracks live in less than six hours. Those original songs swarm with cheek and seriousness, sometimes within a single measure. Baba stoically drives her compositions straight into the storm, engulfed by a band fully on board with her mission. “In this context of my music... " READ MORE
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"Lauren Elizabeth Baba wants to disabuse anyone of the notion that all L.A. jazz is of the smooth persuasion. As the composer, conductor, bandleader and producer for her 17-piece big band, theBABAorchestra, she’s establishing adventurous new territory. Recorded live at Seahorse Sound Studios in Los Angeles, the band’s debut, Another Ride On The Elephant Slide, melds elements of free-jazz... " READ MORE
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"17-piece theBABAorchestra pokes around in different genres, and sculpts forms of expression that aren’t ever going to be considered a conventional medium. It’s especially enjoyable when they harness the strength of their numbers and stir up a storm. The harmonic force this experimental big band... " READ MORE
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" ...violist and composer Lauren Baba is in front of the band. The big band responds to her precise gestures with a whirlwind of texture and rhythm. There are surprising plot developments within the music, moments of curious spaciousness rudely pushed aside by something more sinister... " READ MORE
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