Crossroads
With chief conductor Dennis Mackrel and arranger and co-conductor Rob Horsting, artistic director Juan Martinez worked out the concept for Crossroads: compositions by six band members were adapted for big band by top international arrangers. The compositions address new developments in jazz and other related contemporary music movements from a strongly personal perspective, the arrangers have stretched the boundaries of this idiom considerably with their choice of instrumentation, harmonies and space for improvisation. The first try-outs of Crossroads took place at the JZ-Club in Shanghai, the jazz hot-spot of China, and the album was recorded in October 2017 at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
Band members' compositions were created by Joris Roelofs, Martijn van Iterson, Jorg Kaaij, Simon Rigter, Ilja Reijngoud and Rob Horsting and adapted into new arrangements by top international arrangers such as Michael Abene, Ed Partyka and Vellu Halkosalmi.
Edison Award
Our new album Crossroads was warmly received by the press and the public, and the jury of the Edison Award thought so too, awarding the Jazz Orchestra an Edison for the second time with the following motivation: ‘A kaleidoscopic parade in which the JOC showcases the unique and progressive jazz capital from which it is built in every possible way - chilling solos, strong ensemble playing, inventive compositions and arrangements. Already a monument to Dutch jazz.'
Reviews
‘A revolving double album’ - Amanda Kuyper in the NRC Handelsblad ●●●●
‘Swinging, lush and exquisite ensemble playing: there is much to enjoy on Crossroads’ - Gijsbert Kramer in the Volkskrant ●●●●
‘Impassioned, profound pieces without easy effect’ - Jazzism ●●●●
‘Crossroads not only represents a high point in the JOC's oeuvre, but is also one of the best albums ever released within Dutch jazz.’ - Jazzenzo.
‘The JOC is a world-class orchestra and you won't find a better interpreter of contemporary big band jazz any time soon.’ - All About Jazz, Jack Bowers, USA
‘With Crossroads, the Dutch Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw proves that it is a modern big band ... a remarkably fresh and elegant ensemble.’ - Way Out West - Japan
‘A super strong double album from Europe's best big band.’ - Japan Jazz
‘This album is a breakthrough,’ writes journalist and Dutch jazz expert Bert Vuijsje.
