Imani Winds
Imani Winds, an accomplished wind quintet (horn, flute, bassoon, clarinet, oboe), push the classical repertory into more-inclusive territory. This disc offers apt arrangements of Ravel'sLe Tombeau de Couperin, as well as pieces drawn from jazz, Latin America, and African traditions. Mexican composer Mario Lavista's concentrated 5 Brief Dances (originally written for wind quintet) include a richly atmospheric Lento and a spunky Presto. A bright new work by hornist Jeff Scott, Titilayo, recalls Ibert, Poulenc, jazz, a dab of Copland, and a hefty dose of originality in its brief time span. Mason Jones' arrangement of the Ravel, a work familiar in its piano original and the composer's arrangement for full orchestra, is especially adept. Its gentle fugue and scintillating Rigaudon are especially appealing. Umoja, by the group's flutist, Valerie Coleman, adds a guest percussionist and the interplay of the winds with an array of percussion instruments makes for fascinating listening. There are also a welcome pair of pieces by Astor Piazzola which will please his many fans, and Mongo Santamaria's Afro Blue, made famous by jazz great John Coltrane, gets its first "classical" arrangement to provide a stunning close to the program.--Dan Davis