Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: ‘Golden Lady’

One of my all-time favourite states (if that’s even a thing) has always been Colorado, so when I was sent the latest album from the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO), I promised to give it a listen. This was a particular delight, as CJRO Artistic Director Drew Zaremba is a former guest on Harmonious World.

The ensemble’s fourth album since 2017, Golden Lady is a delightful collaboration of contemporary jazz featuring excellent musicianship and the gorgeous vocals of Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield.

Big band jazz is often my place of joy where I return: Golden Lady will certainly be in that box. With brilliant arrangements and solos, there’s a groove from the opening bars of Hold Tight right through to a pacey, energetic rendition of You’ll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart). And don’t miss the stunning sax solo on Hold Tight from Snarky Puppy’s Bob Reynolds.

But one of the key highlights of this album is CJRO Artistic Director Drew Zaremba’s arrangement of the title track. Taking Stevie Wonder’s Golden Lady and adding in a little of Jill Scott’s Golden is inspired and it works with the big band backing.

Together, Zaremba and Mayfield have curated a selection of original and classical tunes to highlight the legacy of influential Black women songwriters. Drew says: "Golden Lady is Tatiana. This album is a celebration of her artistry and a way to introduce her brilliance to Colorado and beyond. …This isn’t just another big band record - it’s a statement. We wanted to show that a jazz orchestra can honor this music authentically, bringing our own artistic voice while staying true to [its] soulful, groove-driven roots."

If, like me, your soul is drawn to big bands, there are a few albums out this year with a large ensemble and Golden Lady  is one of those you’ll come back to again and again. And Colorado is still on my list to visit again VERY soon.