Instrumental CD of the Month - "John Scofield & Vince Mendoza: 54"

Instrumental CD of the Month
John Scofield, Vince Mendoza & Metropole Orkest: "54" (ScoBiz/Universal)

Seven of Scofield's challenging compositions -- plus two Vince Mendonza's originals -- adapted and re-arranged for an orchestral context. Mendoza, artistic director of the Metropole Orchestra, scored most of the tracks (including the massive opener, "Carlos," John's tribute to Santana), except "Imaginary Time" (orchestrated by Florian Ross) and "Out of the City" (by Jim McNeely).
Among the main soloists are Paul van der Feen (alto sax), Ruud Breuls (trumpet), Bart van Lier (trombone), Marc Scholten (alto sax), Leo Janssen (tenor sax), Hans Vroomans (piano & Hammond organ) and Martijn Vink (drums). Also noteworhy is the work of bassist Aram Kersbergen.