American Jazz Philharmonic Symphonic Dances Claus Ogerman

Though he has big credits in jazz and respect amongst aficionados this substantial 23 minute work of discretely subdued textures taps Ogerman s classical of German arranger composer Ogerman s finest scores, , a wealth of elegantly flowing introspective. melody. Ogerman s three movement symphonic suite joins his Symbiosis for Bill Evans (pianist) among his poetic compositions. Symphonic Dances is sufficiently amenable in style not to require further Ogerman s filmy string textures mark out a rich musicscape. The music doesn t belong to any ism or school but fits seamlessly into today s polystylistic music. Ogerman was active in America in the early 1960 s with somewhat stolid arrangements for organist Jimmy Smith. He also worked with pop singer Lesley Gore something that seems to have influenced his album of film themes for pianist Bill Evans. Ogerman s 1963 Vips theme is decidedly pop in ambie