When I think of reviewing music by local artists, I often anticipate bands that are composed of students who are beginning to find their niche in the music community.B I also expect music along the lines of rock and hip-hop.B What I totally forget to acknowledge is the presence of talent outside of that spectrum, even as close as here on campus.
Music professor Alan Hood, along with Dave Hanson and many other performers including some from DU’s orchestra, have created Just a Little Taste.
Hood plays and David Hanson handles the writing.B This album consists of many interpretations of classic music by artists like Benny Golson and Frank Sinatra.
The best part is that the collective experience all the musicians present on this album translate well onto each recording. Many of these songs may have come from another artist, but Hood and the gang have made these songs their own.B One example is the song “Pure Imagination” from the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”B The Hood rendition has a certain charm to it that is both reminiscent and different from the original in a way that makes one think about Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, but somehow imbues those fond memories with a fresher taste.B
The transitions are also well done, shifting styles during the course of the album.B None of these transitions are rocky, and they prove to be a worthy compilation.B
This album can be enjoyed on several different levels.B On one hand, audiences with a basic grasp of music and an interest in jazz can enjoy it.B
On the other hand, those with a more extensive knowledge of music and a higher appreciation of music that comes from this may enjoy the music even more than someone with no background.B That however, is something that lies more in the audience than in the performers, and aside from that, the music sounds great with just enough variety to change the pace of the music up from track to track.
It comes as no surprise that a DU music professor would be able to create a good jazz album.B
The infusion of many classics with an experienced twist is something that members of the jazz community should consider worth listening to. Even those new to the genre could find something to love on this album.
If you’d like to hear this album, you can check it out on www.alhoodtrumpet.com. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen.B
