John Vanore - Easter Island Suite

John Vanore - composer, trumpet
Michael Mee - alto saxophone, flute
Bob Howell - saxophone, bass clarinet
Brian Landrus - bass clarinet
Greg Kettinger - guitar
Ron Thomas - piano
Craig Thomas - bass
Other musicians unidentified

I don't know much about John Vanore, although he did a nice reimagining of Oliver Nelson's Stolen Moments a few years ago. Easter Island Suite is Mr. Vanore's composition, and it features four parts or movements that work well individually and collectively. I'm not familiar with any of the musicians except Brian Landrus, and since John is Philly based, I'm guessing that's where these guys are from.

The arrangements are no frills, in the sense that they don't have a lot of unusual colors or instrumentation. They work well, though, and provide a lot of solo space to his band, especially the saxophonists. Easter Island Suite is a recording I've returned to multiple times, which says something with the amount of music I listen to!