# CD review: The Verve Jazz Ensemble – All In – 2023: Video, CD cover

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2023/07/04/cd-review-the-verve-jazz-ensemble-all-in-2023-video-cd-cover/
- Published: 2023-07-04T00:04:34+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**When drummer Josh Feldstein joined forces with tenor saxophonist Jon Blanck to
form the Verve Jazz Ensemble back in 2006, the band was a quartet.**

Those who can appreciate the long expansive arc of jazz, and celebrate it for its
intrinsic and emotional value – independent of record sales or radio airplay – will
revel in the originality and respectful hard bop focus of the latest from the Verve
Jazz Ensemble, All In. This is album #8 for the New York-Tri State-rooted ensemble,
returning to the septet configuration first road-tested on their #1 radio airplay
album from 2018, Connect the Dots.

With the return of Alexa Tarantino and Willie Applewhite, the core 5 VJE + 2 leans
into an engaging mix of standards, off the well-trod path classics, and two originals
by the band’s trumpeter, and album Executive Producer, Tatum Greenblatt. EP Greenblatt
describes the record’s jumping off point as “a mid-20th century Americana kind of
vibe.” From “a simmering pot” of possible tune choices, he and VJE leader and drummer
Josh Feldstein selected the record’s 10 programming choices.The resulting arrangements
and compositions are fresh and yet comfortably familiar, like the VJE’s demeanor
on stage.

Over the intervening years that foursome expanded and morphed, eventually becoming
a septet for several tracks on 2018’s Connect the Dots. The growth and change has
only intensified since then, as this group’s sixth album showcases half a dozen 
configurations across 10 numbers.

Opening with the title track, the first of several hard-bop happenings, the full
force of the septet is on display. The ensemble deftly shifts from swing to Latin,
putting a four-horn front line to good use and leaving space for strong and concise
solos.

Of particular interest is the interplay of sax, trombone, trumpet and flugelhorn.
The creative arrangements allow for some sizzling brass and woodwind interaction.

I try to leave it to listeners to decide what they enjoy. The level of musicianship
and integration between us as a band is what I love most about the VJE, I’d say.
When I listen to a recording, I have to separate my subjective experience as a recording
artist from the end product of the music, and that is sometimes easy and sometimes
more challenging. For example, “All In” was recorded the day after my very close
Uncle died. I’d been helping him for months toward the end of his life. He died 
literally like 12 hours before the recording date. I still had to go into the studio
for days and give it my best effort. So “All In” was an unusual personal circumstance
to record an album for me! The VJE has a number of new projects planned for the 
recording studio, and our group’s trajectory will continue to grow and expand. There
may be a surprise or two coming up the road, so stay tuned! We also have an exciting
live performance coming up on August 25th in Worchester, MA. The band will be headling
the “Jazz at Sunset” concert sponsored by Boston NPR radio station WICN and the 
Hanover Theatre,- an interview with me said drummer** Josh Feldstein. **

A few examples of the greatness exhibited by this very talented ensemble. I urge
all jazz fans to check this out by clicking on the link below. I have not heard 
the band before. Well, better late than never as this album will be a real treat
for jazz fans.

1 All In 5:39
 2 Midnight In The Air 3:28 3 The Odd Couple Theme 7:34 4 Pensive 
Miss 3:39 5 Ain’t That A Kick In The Head 5:16 6 Once I Loved 3:56 7 Studio J 5:
55 8 What I Meant To Say Was 5:23 9 Bluesette 4:39 10 Dolphin Dance 6:11

**Josh Feldstein – Drums**
 **Tatum Greenblatt – Trumpet** **Willie Applewhite –
Trombone** **Alexa Tarantino – Alto Sax, Flute** **Jon Blank – Tenor Sax** **Matt
Oestreicher – Piano, Guitar** **Elias Bailey – Bass**

[**Buy from here – New CD 2023**](https://www.vervejazzpreorders.com/products/739959-the-verve-jazz-ensemble-all-in)

![The Verve Jazz Ensemble - ](https://i0.wp.com/s9.limitedrun.com/images/1627307/
Screen_Shot_2023-03-01_at_3.57.36_PM.png?resize=640%2C640&ssl=1)

### _Related_