Jazz / Modern Creative, Avant-Garde, Post-Bop, Experimental Big Band
Pierre Dorge - Guitar, Vocals, Guitar (Electric), Balafon
Ahmadu Jarr - Flute, Drums, Percussion
Bent Clausen - Vibraphone, Sirene, Percussion
Doudou Gouirand - Sax (Soprano), Sax (Alto)
Harry Beckett - Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Hugo Rasmussen - Bass
Irene Becker - Keyboards, Caxixi, Vocals
Jesper Zeuthen - Sax (Alto)
John Tchicai - Vocals, Sax (Tenor)
Johnny Dyani - Bass, Vocals, Piano
Kenneth Agerholm - Trombone, Horn
Marilyn Mazur - Bells, Kalimba, Drums
Morten Carlsen - Sax (Baritone), Taragat, Flute, Sax (Tenor), Clarinet
New Jungle Orchestra
Niels Neergaard - Horn, Trombone
Soren Eriksen - Sax (Soprano), Sax (Alto)
In a similar vein as Norwegian drummer Bengt Berger's earlier releases, Danish guitarist Pierre Dorge marries contemporary jazz improvisers of a free-ish bent with melodic ideas stemming from West African music, particularly that of Ghana. Dorge also folds in certain aspects of early jazz (Ellington's "The Mooche" is covered here) and, when everything works, the result can be intoxicating. On "Suho Ning Samo," an irresistibly infectious melody is buttressed by fine solo work from Morten Carlsen on tarogato and the leader's clear, singing, immediately recognizable guitar, the sound of which appears to owe something to African kora players. The title track also works well as a strong framework for the soloists, with punchy horn riffs supporting able contributions from altoist Jesper Zeuthen and deep ruminations from the great South African bassist Johnny Dyani. When things bog down, it tends to be for lack of rhythmic drive. Unlike Berger, who utilized a stable of fiery percussionists, the drumming on this record, when uninspired by a great melody, becomes lackluster and dragging. Still, the plusses outweigh the negatives and, overall, this is perhaps Dorge's finest release with a large ensemble. ~ Brian Olewnick, All Music Guide
Pierre Dorge
Active Decades: '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s
Born: Feb 28, 1946 in Copenhagen, Denmark
Genre: Jazz
Pierre Dorge has gained some fame for his work with his New Jungle Orchestra, a band that plays fresh interpretations of some classics (particularly by Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk) along with its leader's originals. Dorge led his first band in 1960, was a member of John Tchicai's big band (1969-1971), in 1978 headed a quartet called Thermaenius, and in 1980 put together the New Jungle Orchestra. Dorge has recorded several very interesting sessions (including a duo with Tchicai) for the SteepleChase label.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
