New Release: The Nutcracker Remix from the Cincinnati

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The Nutcracker Remix from the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra (CCJO)
Label:  Self-Release
Release Date:  October 31, 2025
Website:  www.cincinnatijazz.org

The Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchesta (CCJO), a 17 piece ensemble, presents The Nutcracker Remix,  a 12-track album featuring nine reimagined tracks from the Tchaikovsky's timeless suite "The Nutcracker" ballet, alongside three bonus Christmas-themed tracks sung by frequent CCJO collaborator Mandy Gaines, which include the candlelight shimmers of "Christmas Time Is Here," a bluesy soul spin on "Merry Christmas Baby," and the cushiony, lulling swells of Gaines’s original number “Christmas This Year."  Preceding is the orchestra's reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky's original compositions with a jazz twist, incorporating many different styles including bop, western swing, smooth jazz, and jive, all of which are sequenced fluidly and cozily into a roaring rendition of gyrating horns and jangly beats through "Sugar Rush" (Dance of th Sugar Plum Fairy). The acrobatic flutter of the keys and bass ambling along "Everybody Digs Flowers" (Waltz of the Flowers) enhance the mirth and frolic filling the ambient rivulets, transitioning into the exotically tinted, serpentine squiggles coiling "Camel Capery" (Arabian Dance), featuring a sultry solo on the baritone sax.  “General Tso’s Gumbo" (Chinese Dance) is adorned in New Orleans-style Dixieland jazz laden in the puffing toots of Marc Fields's trombone, John Zappa's trumpet, and Josh Omatis's sousaphone with Brad Myers's syncopated strumming on the banjo adding to the infectious jubilance.  The arrangements are assembled by CCJO's Artistic Director, Eric Lechliter, and trombonist/arranger Dominic Marino.  The collection is produced, edited, mixed and mastered by CCJO trumpeter Kim Pensyl.  Together, they create a compelling CCJO version of Tchaikovsky's work.  
 
Social Media links:
Facebook.com/CincinnatiContemporaryJazzOrchestra
IG: @cincyjazzorchestra

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