Concert in the Garden

by Tammy LaGorce Concert in the Garden is orchestral jazz great Maria Schneider's proudest achievement and a revelation for fans of big band, as well as jazz subgenres beyond. Though she proved with earlier discs, such as 1994's bright, thoughtful Evanescence, that her ability to transport moods and atmospheres into fully recognizable and deeply meaningful musical whirls was more intricately developed than many current composers, the performances she teases from her musicians throughout Concert in the Garden are an even sturdier testament to a fierce talent. Audible are the skills she developed under the tutelage of Gil Evans: the title track simmers with complexity and evokes grand dramatic themes, though she frames them in frailty courtesy of the graceful intertwinings of accordionist Gary Versace and vocalist Luciana Souza. Souza imparts to-the-bone feeling despite (perhaps because of) a wordless performance. Deposited into the middle of the disc are "Three Romances" -- three separate works bound by a full heart and notable for their lightness and varied Brazilian-flavored harmonies. It is final composition, "Buleria, Solea y Rumba," however, that dazzles most brilliantly. Tenor Donny McCaslin's inspired solo grabs hold in a work limned in fiery flamenco forms, fusing it together until it is a flawless whole. Few who hear this piece will doubt it draws its own oxygen; fewer still will doubt the genius and beauty of its creator.