Product Description

Art, especially the big band kind of art I make, draws on history, trends and standards. Tempting though it may seem to cloister oneself in the creative process, artists (myself included) are, first and foremost, humans trying to make sense of the turbulence of these times. This is my way through the social, political, and racial cleavages that came to define 2018. I wrote much of this in what can only be called the hangover of democracy, the groping in the dark that once venerable institutions were doing in 2018. Early in the morning, with the TV bellowing in the background, I got to work-the result is perhaps inadvertently, a political and social commentary If it was accidental, it also feels deeply essential. One could only ambitiously dream up a maiden voyage like this with a collection of talented friends and mentors. Fred Stride as producer and Frank Carlberg as pianist have shaped my musical output all the while demanding my writing remain a reflection of my own individual voice. Both brilliant composers in their own right, it was their zeal to share knowledge, and their friendship that buoyed me throughout this process. Featured soloist Noah Preminger is a dear friend, and my favorite saxophonist. His bravado, virtuosity, and audacious approach to the mastery of his instrument elevated all of us. Brad Turner has been the light on the hill in my musical life since I was a teenager, featuring his improvisational voice on this record is the realization of a decades long goal. I would like to thank each and every member of this ensemble for lending their unique voice to the realization of my music. The players deftly assimilated the written music, quickly surpassing what was on the page to fully contribute to this musical tapestry.

Review

Vancouver-based composer Daniel Hersog's debut big band album is largely inspired by his love for jazz orchestrator Gil Evans' work with Miles Davis in large-ensemble settings.

Hersog, also known for his vital voice on trumpet, wrote much of the music on Night Devoid Of Stars with two particular soloists in mind: tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger and pianist Frank Carlberg. Hersog's highly distilled, historically informed compositions and arrangements not only serve as an expression of his own artistic individuality, but provide wide-open platforms for his band members to construct bold, towering improvisations that amplify the innate sophistication and adventurousness of the material.

Preminger, whose connection to Hersog dates back to their days as students at New England Conservatory, distinguishes himself on the catchy ''Cloud Break,'' the brooding ballad ''Makeshift Memorial'' and the straight-rock groove of ''Indelible.'' Carlberg, who was an influential NEC teacher for the bandleader, makes some of his strongest solo statements on the gospel-flavored, Keith Jarrett-inspired ''Motion,'' during a dramatic interpretation on the Jerome Kern standard ''Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'' and in the denouement of the album's overarching title track. Other notable solo contributions come from trumpeter Brad Turner (on ''Cloud Break'') and clarinet-doubling saxophonist Michael Braverman (''Indelible'').

Hersog's orchestrations tend to exhibit a symphonic quality and exude a chamber-like vibe characterized by churchy brass choirs, unconventional instrumental pairings (usually involving various woodwinds) and an ever-present, Evans-like flow. The 16-piece Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra was booked to perform at this summer's TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival with Preminger and Carlberg onboard but the event was canceled due to the coronavirus. Let's hope listeners eventually get a chance to hear this remarkable Canadian ensemble take on these gorgeous new arrangements under Hersog's baton in a live setting.

Ed Enright
DownBeat Magazine

The rising Canadian wrote the bulk of this work while getting ready to head out for his teaching job with the morning news on in the back ground. With what's going on in the world, is it any wonder that that work is loaded with optimism while sounding like latter day, white civil rights jazz? Bringing in a pair of hell raising ringers from downtown, this is one of those widely encompassing works that will take you back but is always looking forward. A solid date from a cat you want to hear more from.

Chris Spector --Midwest Record review 5/23/2020