Veteran jazz guitarist Russ Spiegel has always had an affinity for big band music, from his days of performing with the European-based Landes Jugend Jazz Orchester Hessen, The Bill Warfield Big Band, and his own Russ Spiegel Big Band, comprised of top German and international musicians. He continues his love affair of progressive ensemble music on the debut recording by The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra, Transplants, with big band arrangements of six originals and three covers, and featuring some of the finest players from New York.
Spiegel provides all of the arrangements, including fresh treatments of Ray Noble's "The Very Thought of You," Duke Ellington's oft-recorded "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart" and Paul Weston's "I Should Care." The twenty-piece orchestra makes an immediate impression, opening up with a burst from the brass on the fiery Spiegel original "Count Up," featuring tasty solos from saxophonist Tim Armacost, drummer Owen Howard, and of course, a light touch from the guitarist. Guest vocalist Michael Camacho does the honors on "The Very Thought of You" and "I Should Care," where trumpeter Sharif Kales and saxophonist Craig Yaremko provide the solos. Camacho is heard one more time on the funky and spicy "Chain Reaction."

With an introduction from flautist Arun Luthra, the meat of "Kangaroo" is gently taken over by Spiegel with some beautiful chords, before turning it over to pianist Rachel Eckroth, who then hands it back to Luthra, this time on soprano, polishing off one of the album's standout pieces. The band roars mightily on the big band arrangement of "Number One," another display of power playing from the group. An unselfish performer, Spiegel makes sure that many members of the band have their chance to display their appreciable skill with plenty of solo space throughout the album. This is clearly the case as trumpeter David Smith plays a pronounced role on the nine-minute "Undertow," blowing down the house with his performance.

Smith tees off once again, this time on the feisty rendition of "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart," with accompaniment from saxophonist Dan Pratt. Starting and ending with a little free style play, "The Rub," is a hard-driving number featuring the drummer's handy work along with crisp guitar riffs from Spiegel and embraced by supportive background play from the entire band. Ending with "I Should Care," Spiegel's orchestra completes a marvelous command performance that lovers of progressive big band music will savor. Containing sparkling new material, innovative arrangements and excellent musicianship, Russ Spiegel's Transplants clearly delivers on many fronts and deserves an unquestioned nod of approval.
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The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra is the brainchild of guitarist Russ Spiegel. This jazz CD’s
title was inspired by Walt Whitman’s famous Leaves of Grass work. Whitman is quoted on
the disc as follows: "Haply the brutish measureless human undergrowth I know, Transplanted
there may rise to stature." Although it’s hard to know what these poetic words have to do
with Spiegel’s brand of jazz, there's not doubt the man can sure play – and play well.
Spiegel wrote all but three of these songs. One of the covers, "The Very Thought of You,"
features Michael Camacho on vocals. Other covers include "I Let a Song Go Out of My
Heart," which was partially written by Duke Ellington, and "I Should Care."
One of this CD’s best originals is titled "Kangaroo." And much like those crazy creatures
from down under, it really jumps. There is plenty of great piano work on it, as well as
notable flute and saxophone parts. "Chain Reaction" is another highlight due to its organ fills
and funky feel. This one also includes a free-form roaming bass line. Camacho sings the
song’s lyric, and the tune is nearly a dead ringer for Tower Of Power’s "What Is Hip," one of
the greatest funk songs of all time.
Spiegel’s group shows off its quieter side with the opening sections of "Undertow." On it,with a rhythm that rolls like gentle ocean waves, a sweet horn part floats over it, while a
mellow, acoustic bass line supports it.
Transplants is a fine collection, particularly because of its musical variety. Those that may
think jazz is simply hipster, snap-along music may be pleasantly surprised by the many
styles and sounds represented herein. "Undertow," with its solitude, couldn’t be any different
from the uproarious "Chain Reaction," yet they both sit nicely, side-by-side on the same CD.
Another plus this disc has going for it is that it is a true jazz orchestra release. Although
Spiegel is a guitarist, you never get the feeling this is a guitarist’s CD, merely with a bunch
of other musicians playing second fiddle to him. Rather, he prominently features the many
fine players in his group, which gives it a distinctly group effort feel. If you are truly wise, you will transplant this disc from your favorite online CD store, directly into your music
collection.
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Five Stars ...NO.... One star for everyone who make this " Tranplants " !!!!
To listen it is a Happiness . Many Thanks for your Music...A Transplant for the Heart !!!! Beaucoup de Chance et de Réussite à Tous !!
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Guitarist/composer Russ Spiegel is one of the bright lights of modern jazz, who seems always to be seeking to bring the full force of various influences together to create something new. From solo guitar to film scores to big band sounds and everything in between, including spending the last four years as music instructor for the Naked Brothers Band Nickelodeon TV show, this former rock and roll guitarist exhibits an interest in numerous music styles, which comes out in spades in his exciting compositions. On the heels of his well-received release Chimera (see our review here) comes a recording with the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece ensemble. Transplants consists of 9 originals by Spiegel, as well as standards by Ray Noble, Duke Ellington and Paul Weston.

The result is an enjoyable listening experience. Spiegel is an exceptionally talented guitarist, but here he only takes three solos, while allowing others in the ensemble their share of the spotlight, and these fine players respond to the call to action. Tim Armacost starts things up nicely on sax on the opening number, "Count Up," which features interesting changes and well-balanced horn sections. Spiegel, an excellent rock and fusion player, solos confidently in a straight-forward guitar vein here and throughout this album.

"Kangaroo" is a lovely smooth Latin number with flutes and melodic guitar work. Pianist Rachel Eckroth pitches in with an assured solo and Arun Luthra’s soprano sax is slinky. "Number One" is a tough and bluesy big band number, while the waltzing "Undertow" is moody and drifts along like a melancholy tide. The version of "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart" showcases trumpeter James Smith and saxophonist Dan Pratt to good effect. “"he Rub" is 9:07 of swirling twists and turns propelled by bassist Yoshi Waki, drummer Owen Howard and percussionists, Todd Isler and Jack Davis. Clarinetist Craig Yaremko is featured on "I Should Care," which closes out this fine recording. And not content to stick with instrumentals, Spiegel also features vocalist Michael Camacho on this number, and a smartly swinging version of "The Very Thought of You," as well as on the fiery and quite catchy '70s funk-influenced "Chain Reaction."

    There is a little something for everyone to like on Transplants, and it is clear that Spiegel is a composer we will be hearing more great things from in the future.
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