Kim Richmond - Refractions

L.A.-based musician and big band icon, saxophonist, composer and arranger Kim Richmond has created a wide selection of albums in both small group and large ensemble settings. This CD, featuring his Concert Jazz Orchestra, blends a collection of original compositions and arrangements of classics into a lush, cinematic sound scape. "I am seeking a broader emotional palette for Jazz," states Richmond. "I feel that all too often Jazz, especially for large ensemble, expresses only a small range of emotions. My writing for this 24-piece jazz orchestra combines elements of both large ensemble jazz with free-swinging improvisation and symphonic colors and textures. This is truly an orchestra rather than simply a jazz band."