BOB BROOKMEYER
Spirit Music ArtistShare *****

Brookmeyer is one of those behind the establishment of Germany's New Art Orchestra in 1986. He recorded three Challenge albums with the orchestra (New Works, Waltzing with Zoe and Get Well Soon) which, inter alia, have copperfastened his reputation as possibly the finest living orchestrator and composer in jazz. Spirit Music, their fourth, made in January, is perhaps the best of the lot. It's remarkable for the breathtaking quality of the writing, the sheer warmth and pitch-perfect precision of the ensemble, and the manner in which the soloists - Brookmeyer (valve trombone), regulars Marko Lackner, Oliver Leicht and Nils van Haften (reeds), Kris Goessens (piano), newcomer Ruud Brells (trumpet) and guest Kirsty Wilson (English Horn) - embed themselves in his wonderfully poised and balanced charts. Few are as gifted as Brookmeyer in using simple motifs, sharing them out in different colours among the orchestra, and developing them into long-form compositions like a master storyteller. The soloists become characters in the unfolding tale.

Among the finest performances are the ominous yet delicate The Door, the compellingly sombre Alone and The End (a superb through-composed piece), and the buoyant Dance for Life and Happy Song. But he also invests similar authority in songlike pieces, such as the graceful New Love and a real swinger, Silver Lining. One to treasure. It's available only online from www.bobbrookmeyer.com