John Ellis Quartet: “Bizet: Carmen In Jazz” (2023) CD Review

Carmen was composed in the late 1800s by Georges Bizet, and its themes have become familiar even to those of us who have never attended the opera, through the music’s use in various television programs, films and even commercials. One of my absolute favorite films, Magnolia, uses not only some of the music (and in a wonderful way), but makes reference to the opera in one of the game show scenes just before that. But by the time of that film’s release, I had already heard that music many times and had come to love it, without ever once actually seeing Carmen. Saxophone player John Ellis delivers his arrangements of the opera’s popular music on his new album, Bizet: Carmen In Jazz. This project came about through a commission by the St. Barts Music Festival, which in early 2020 had a Carmen theme. He plays both saxophone and bass clarinet on this album, and is joined by Gary Versace on piano, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Jason Marsalis on drums, the same musicians who performed the music with him at the festival.

The album opens with “Habanera,” the piece referred to in Magnolia, and one that is instantly recognizable. John Ellis delivers that familiar theme on saxophone. As the track progresses, there are moments when you’ll feel compelled to dance to it. Seriously. This rendition has a cool groove and a bright feel, particularly in John Ellis’ playing, and features some great work on drums. There is a warm and wonderful lead on piano in the second half, which is followed by a brief bit where John Ellis solos on that theme. This is a great take on the opera’s most popular piece. That’s followed by “Seguidilla,” which also itches to move, as is clear early on. It’s a pretty piece that seems eager to break open and become a dance number, and it does so at times. That rhythm is delicious. Gary Versace is able to stretch out a bit on piano, and Jason Marsalis’ work on drums becomes more free and exciting, threatening to burst into a solo at any moment, and keen to do so. Interestingly, instead we settle into a good bass solo from Reuben Rogers, who pulls us in, using surprising pauses. And suddenly the other musicians come back in, engaging us in a dance, playing with pace. John Ellis leads the group into the next section, delivering some cool work. The piece teases us a bit, which is delightful.

“Flower Song” is presented as a saxophone and piano duet. It’s a beautiful and moving rendition, yet there is a surprising pep at times to the piano work during Gary Versace’s solo. And the piece takes on more energy from there, after John Ellis comes back in, becoming a romantic and magical dance, before then finally returning to that gentle tone at the end. That’s followed by “Toreador,” another piece that will likely be familiar to you even if you’ve never seen Carmen. It’s a more exciting piece, and this rendition by John Ellis Quartet begins in a delightfully cool place. There is a wonderful and intoxicating confidence in the air, and John Ellis’ work is excellent. This track also features some fantastic work on bass. This track feels like a dance, sexy and fun, and at one point begins to take on something of a New Orleans flavor, with a great rhythm. It is thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

“Gypsy Song” features some beautiful work on saxophone, that instrument creating a vibrant and clear world, and leading us inside. The sax is the heart of this piece, remaining its driving force until deep in the track’s second half when Gary Versace leads on piano, delivering some wonderful work. The album concludes with “Card Song.” John Ellis draws us in immediately with his work on bass clarinet, supported by bass and piano. There are no drums on this track. His playing here is incredibly expressive, feeling like a human voice, just absolutely gorgeous. This track also features gentle and moving work on piano, and a beautiful lead on bass. This track ended up being my personal favorite. What an incredible way to wrap up the album.

CD Track List

1. Habanera
2. Seguidilla
3. Flower Song
4. Toreador
5. Gypsy Song
6. Card Song

Bizet: Carmen In Jazz is scheduled to be released on December 22, 2023 through Blue Room Music.