The Metropolitan Jazz Octet, The Bowie Project Review

A Daring Reimagining: The Metropolitan Jazz Octet’s The Bowie Project

In the vast world of jazz, where traditional sounds seamlessly meld with both classic and modern influences, the Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO), alongside vocalist Paul Marinaro, has redefined genre boundaries with their ambitious Origin Records endeavor, The Bowie Project. This album stands out for its excellence in various facets of music production, singing, and performance.

Take, for instance, MJO’s rendition of David Bowie’s “Changes,” arranged by Jim Gailloreto and Mike Allemana. It proves to be a transformative experience. Known for their unique ‘chamber jazz’ style, MJO crafts a sonic experience using their trio of reedmen, who masterfully traverse nine different instruments, from the flute to the bassoon, complemented by the versatile brass section. With the support of the cohesive rhythm section, the ensemble skillfully encapsulates Bowie’s essence while infusing the piece with a distinctive jazz flavor, creating a harmonious fusion of styles. Marinaro’s performance, marked by virtuosity, seamlessly melds rock spirit with jazz artistry, presenting a rendition that stands as a pinnacle of jazz performance, captivating listeners with its originality and respectful nod to Bowie’s legacy.

The album navigates through the haunting melodies of “Quicksand,” where the arrangement by Ben Lewis and John Kornegay stands out prominently. The synergy of individual instrument parts coalescing to support Marinaro’s vocals is nothing short of poetic, affirming that the arrangement is the soul of a cover that pays homage to the original while making a unique statement.

Vocalist Paul Marinaro brings his jazz-steeped, expressive baritone to the fore, interpreting Bowie’s intricate melodies with a fresh, innovative perspective. Tracks like “Letter to Hermione” and “Conversation Piece” are imbued with a sense of exploration, an homage to Bowie’s style yet crafted with Marinaro’s own unique jazz and show inflections.

The craftsmanship is also evident in the album’s engineering, which maintains a delicate balance across diverse instruments and vocals. Every breath of the reedmen, the subtle inflections of Marinaro’s baritone, and the soft hum of muted brass and cymbal clicks coalesce to create a sonic experience that is immaculately produced.

Finally, the thematic depth and narrative cohesion of The Bowie Project are noteworthy, indicative of the thoughtful consideration that went into selecting each track. The album tells a story, offering listeners not just music, but an emotional and thematically coherent journey. These nuances, coupled with the album’s historical context, add layers of meaning that elevate the listening experience.

In conclusion, The Bowie Project is an outstanding experience in musical reinvention, seamlessly navigating through different aspects of production, arrangement, and performance. The Metropolitan Jazz Octet and Paul Marinaro have managed to create a body of work that is as resonant as it is innovative, making it deserving of attention and accolades.