International Premiere in Jazz in Bloomington, MN

John Graas
was a multi-talented French horn player not shy to take chances in both his solos and his writing. On this
V.S.O.P.
CD reissue of two sessions for
Andex
,
Graas
performs his 17-and-a-half-minute three-part
"Jazz Chaconne No. 1"
and four alternate takes with a nonet including altoist
Art Pepper
, trumpeter
Jack Sheldon
, and flutist
Buddy Collette
. In addition,
' four-movement
"Jazz Symphony No. 1"
is played by
the Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra
with guest soloists taken from
the Erwin Lehn
band (German musicians who have remained quite obscure). The lack of liner notes is unfortunate, for it would have been interesting to hear what
' goals were in writing this music. Overall, the performances hold one's attention, particularly the
"Jazz Chaconne."
This CD is recommended to adventurous listeners. ~ Scott Yanow