WJO CD DETAILS

TAKE 5, MARY (YOU DESERVE IT) came out of a dream where Take 5 and What Child is This were being played simultaneously. The harmonies in the bridge of Desmond’s tune match perfectly those of the traditional ballad. The rest is pure invention. CAROLING, CAROLING was originally arranged for Denzal Sinclair and takes the familiar tune at a faster tempo, and adds a few twists and turns when the band takes over.

First performed in 1742, G.F. Handel’s MESSIAH is one of the most famous works in the classical repertoire. And The Glory is sung by full chorus early in the oratorio, Sheep to Keep is a fantasy on Handel’s He shall feed His flock like a shepherd — an alto and soprano duet, and Hallelujah is the centrepiece of Handel’s work and the finale of this suite.

Suite Messiah - WJO

SUITE MESSIAH is WJO's third full album and features Juno-nominated singer Erin Propp on vocals, all arrangements by WJO's own talented musicians (Richard Gillis, Jeff Presslaff and Richard Boughton) and the title work, Suite Messiah, is WJO's own big band arrangement of three movements from Handel's Messiah. The other tunes on the album are big band arrangements of well-known and some lesser-known festive tunes.  

THERE’S A TRAIN OUT FOR DREAMLAND began with the discovery of an obscure Nat King Cole recording for voice and orchestra. Such an engaging tune and lyrics transfer beautifully to the big band setting. Based on an earlier 17th Century French carol, ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH became one of England’s most famous carols. TWO SCANDINAVIAN FOLK SONGS is an original medley, which moves from an Icelandic lullaby to a Swedish hymn. This piece was written in 2008 to feature our then new pianist, Will Bonness.

Written around 1642 by Jean de Brébeuf (based on an earlier French folk song), HURON CAROL is Canada’s earliest contribution to the Christmas songbook. The joyful arrangement of one of the best-known carols, JOY TO THE WORLD, was penned for Denzal Sinclair in 2009. HYMN TO FREEDOM is one of Oscar Peterson’s most famous and heartfelt compositions. This arrangement was done as a memorial to him shortly after his passing. It’s an Ellington-style arrangement with a featured quartet of clarinet, cornet, baritone sax and trombone backed by the whole band.