Joris Teepe's Gronigan Art Ensemble

Jazz In Jazz Out

2006-04-19

Dutch jazz! The Groningen Art Ensemble is a unique collective of artists with a common interest in jazz as well as education. While the ensemble members have settled in the New York Metropolitan area they all share jazz education responsibilities at the Prins Claus Conservatoire of the Hanze University in Groningen, The Netherlands. I liked the sound of this gathering of jazz teachers; it is primarily catchy, accessible combo stuff. The most esoteric track is the Ellington number (#7), which may or may not entice programmers. I particularly liked the drumming of Ralph Peterson throughout. Cuts #2, #6 and #11 are vocals; the remainder instrumentals. 3/06 MJVD Jazz-Contemporary \