Eyal Vilner, who plays alto, clarinet and flute in addition to writing arrangements, has been leading his ten-piece band (counting singer Imani Rousselle) in New York since 2008. Swingin’ Uptown is his orchestra’s seventh recording and it finds the group growing in power, depth and originality while retaining its infectious spirit. Due to Vilner’s arrangements, the ensembles sound as if the ensemble were a lot larger than nine instruments. While generally playing for dancing audiences, Vilner has not compromised on the songs he performs or watered down the jazz content of his music. His repertoire ranges from 1930s classics and a few songs from the 1940s and ’50s to originals in the swinging tradition including many by the leader.
Swingin’ Uptown consists of fresh renditions of ten vintage pieces plus six originals. Other than lead trumpeter John Lake, all of the musicians have opportunities along the way to solo and each one is outstanding: trumpeter Brandon Lee, trombonist Ron Wilkins, tenor-saxophonist Julieta Eugenio, baritonist Josh Lee, pianist Jon Thomas, bassist Ian Hutchison, and drummer Erin Fink plus the leader. Vilner gets his spots on each of his horns and there are four passionate vocals by Imani Rousselle.
Among the highlights are such numbers as Ray Bryant’s “Chicken An’ Dumplings,” “Swingin’ Uptown,” Vilner’s alto feature on “Tea For Two,
