As a soloist, Vanore plays his horn open with a bright searching tone. The writing is complicated enough to sound modern and highly crafted, but remains accessible…rich orchestration throughout.Abstract Truth began as a vision to create a new large ensemble—soloist based—capable of the intimacy of a small group and the explosive power of a big band.
“John Vanore is Philadelphia's greatest big band leader and also its best-kept secret. Whenever the gifted conductor, arranger, composer, and trumpeter presents his big band, it is like a jazz holiday.” —Jerry Gordon, WPRB FM, Princeton
Innovative in not replicating the traditional big band instrumentation, this new “voice” takes a fresh look at the instrumentation itself. Like a “small group with lot of horns” the unique instrumentation of 4 trumpets, 2 trombones, French horn, and 2 saxophones doubling on flutes and bass clarinet comprise an ensemble creating a palette of color shared by none. The “front line” is like a traditional jazz quintet with trumpet, saxophone and rhythm section. But, again, a departure in utilizing guitar instead of piano.
“…their sheer excellence exemplifies creativity in composition and craftsmanship in the art of arranging…this music is rooted in its heritage while boldly forward looking.” —Thomas Conrad, CD Review
A new voice demands the bold decision to abandon norms and Abstract Truth presents an original point of view where the soloist is prominent, if not, dominant. The ensemble draws on the traditions of the big band but is neither limited by nor imitates it.
This new direction also demanded a fresh look at orchestration to fully utilize the potential of this new color palette- the French horn being significant.
"Ambitious writing and arranging for the 12-piece ensemble by Philly-based trumpeter, John Vanore. Hauntingly beautiful…well crafted…stirring orchestration…edgy…swinging." —Bill Milkowski, Jazz Times
Abstract Truth officially arrived on the scene in 1990 with the release of Blue Route. CD Review Magazine editor, Dick Lewis named it an “Editor’s Choice – Best of the Year and described it as “A widely and wildly varied collection of traditional big band elements blended with contemporary and visionary sounds.” leading to placement in the prestigious Downbeat Reader’s Poll.
“The intriguing trumpeter pushes expressive possibilities in the realm of big band culture.”
—Josef Woodard, Downbeat
Subsequent releases include Curiosity, Contagious Words, and Culture-- all receiving high praise from jazz journalists in Downbeat, Jazz Times and other publications, and national and international radio play.
“New sounds, new textures, and new ways of looking at previously held notions of musical tradition… Adventurous, innovative, experimental.” —Critical Jazz .com
Back to School Re-mastered reissues of the archive recordings from these exciting live performances.
PERSONNEL:
Disc 1
John Vanore, trumpet; Michael Mee, alto and soprano saxophone; Mick Falcone, tenor saxophone; Rocco Bene, Ron Cason, Brian Groder, Kevin Rodgers – trumpet and flugelhorn;
George Barnett, French horn; Mike Galan, Bob Gale, trombone; Ron Thomas, piano;
Mike Richmond, Bass; Tony Vigilante, drums
Disc 2
John Vanore, trumpet; Michael Mee, alto and soprano saxophone; Mick Falcone, tenor saxophone; Rocco Bene, Ron Cason, Brian Groder, George Headley – trumpet and flugelhorn;
George Barnett, French horn; Mike Galan, Bob Gale, trombone; Ron Thomas, piano;
Craig Thomas, Bass; Tony Vigilante, drums
Culture
PERSONNEL:
John Vanore, trumpet; Michael Mee - alto and soprano sax, flute and alto flute;
Bob Howell, tenor and soprano sax; Joe Cataldo, Sean McAnally, Dennis Wasko, Kevin Rodgers - trumpet and flugelhorn; George Barnett, French Horn; Larry Toft, trombone; Barry McCommon, bass trombone; Greg Kettinger, guitar; Craig Thomas, bass and waterphone (The Secret Caves); Dan Monaghan, drums
Additional performers:
Ron Thomas, piano (Footprints and Whispers of Spring)
Brian Landrus, bass clarinet (The Secret Caves and The Arsenal)
Contagious Words
PERSONNEL:
John Vanore, trumpet; Michael Mee, Alto and soprano sax and flute; Bob Howell, Tenor and soprano sax, flute, bass clar; Joe Cataldo, Bill Pusey, Sean McAnally, Kevin Rodgers, Tony DeSantis, Trumpet & Flugelhorn; George Barnett, French horn; Fred Scott, Larry Toft, trombone; Jim Daniels, bass trombone (trk 2 & 5); Greg Kettinger, guitar; Craig Thomas, acoustic & electric bass; Ron Thomas & Fender Rhodes, piano; Dan Monaghan, drums
Easter Island Suite
Coming on Vinyl - Fall 2019
Curiosity
PERSONNEL:
John Vanore, trumpet & flugelhorn; Michael Mee, alto and soprano sax, flute; Mike Falcone, tenor sax and flute; Rocco Bene, Joe Fallon, Brian Groder, Kevin Rodgers, trumpet & flugelhorn; George Barnett, French horn; Mike Galan, Jose Vidal, trombone; Ron Thomas, piano; Craig Thomas, bass, electric bass; Joe Nero, Joe Mullen, Dave DeFusco, drums
Blue Route
PERSONNEL:
John Vanore, trumpet & flugelhorn; Michael Mee, alto, soprano sax and flute; Mike Falcone, tenor sax, and flute; Rocco Bene, Joe Fallon, Brian Groder, Kevin Rodgers, Trumpet and flugelhorn; George Barnett, French horn; Mike Galan, Jose Vidal, trombone; Ron Thomas, piano; Kevin Kuhn, guitar; Craig Thomas, acoustic and electric bass; Joe Nero, Drums
