PAPATAMUS REDUX

CELLAR MUSIC (RELEASED DECEMBER 5, 2025)

There are some outstanding soloists on this debut recording from the newly formed Vancouver Jazz Orchestra (VJO). Organist Brian Charette is just one of them. VJO artistic director James Dandefer has fully integrated Charette into the band while showcasing the music written and arranged entirely by Canadian jazz artists and performed by some of Vancouver’s most accomplished and emerging jazz musicians. As the featured artist, Charette plays a major role on tunes such as the up-tempo bop opener “Equestrian Interlude” (written by Steve Kaldestad and arranged by Chris Berner), Brad Turner’s arrangement of Herbie Hancock’s “Sorcerer” and the boogaloo groove of “Don’t Call Before 10” (written bt Ross Taggart and arranged by Jill Townsend). On other tracks such as the Brazilian flavored “Lado a Lado” (written and arranged by Fred Stride), the jazz waltz “Shimmy” (written by Steve Kaldestad and arranged by Bill Coon) and the soulful march beat of “As Luck Would Have It,” Charette skillfully adds the color of the Hammond B3 to the rhythm section . In addition to Charette, there are outstanding solo contributions from tenor players Steve Kaldestad and Cory Weeds, trombonists Andy Hunter and Nedyu Yoannes, trumpeters Julian Borkowski and Deery Byrne and alto player James Danderfer. Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Meets Brian Charette is truly a team effort with swinging charts, classic big band arrangements, strong solos and the bonus of Brian Charette’s Hammond artistry. Fans of big band jazz will not be disappointed, and fans of jazz organ will be delighted as well. With its debut recording, the newly established VJO shows great promise and could easily succeed on its own merit on future recordings.

BOTTOM LINE:  Organist Brian Charette follows in the footsteps of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff and Jimmy McGriff by recording an organ/big band session. Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Meets Brian Charette checks all the boxes — swinging charts, inspired playing from all and the added presence of Charette’s soulful organ in the rhythm section and as a featured soloist.