Review: For JG Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band

For JG is the Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band. Its name humbly sits in the corridors from those in the past, "for Jazz Giants" and gives a blasting ode to Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Frank Foster and Richard Rodgers. Japan's most famous Big Band, has a terrifyingly HUGE sound, and is gigantic in retrospect.  They're album title may suggest they are playing for the mere sound of themselves.  

"My favorite things" by Richard Rodgers (Sound of Music fame) comes too early in the cd, but shows the band's steady distinct power, even in the midst of a slow paced song. Every sound is heightened here, no wonder many are still waiting for a Jazz giant soloist to make headway in the United States.

The epitome of their sound comes in the climax of "for J.G." in the song of the same name. It is romantic, then enticing, then bolsters power with the horn section, all in an immense nearly ten minute song.  "Night train" gathers all the swingers in a room and throws them at pace, each to the five solos on the track. "For  J.G." not only is a tribute album, it should open some eyes to what's next in leading Big Band sound.

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