Saskatchewan Suite is the most novel, ambitious, progressive, and challenging of jazz projects in the history of the province of Saskatchewan!
No one has ever attempted to tell the 150+ year history of Saskatchewan in music and in the vernacular of jazz, with one of Canada’s most talented and brilliant composers, musical director Fred Stride, producing a commissioned work to tell this story that speaks to and includes all of us.
The Saskatchewan All Star Big Band is the most significant superstar ensemble ever assembled in Saskatchewan. Stride said: “You will hear that we’re farmers, business people, potash workers, railroaders, hockey players, story tellers, writers, artists, and soldiers marching off to war. We’re all the Saskatchewan Story and that’s what the Saskatchewan Suite is all about and telling us for the very first time.”
Writing for The Midwest Record, Chris Spector said: “With the musos being a bunch of players that were top hitters from Saskatchewan, a DVD was needed to preserve this commissioned work from all angles. How much have you thought about First Peoples in a Canadian province? Well, this well wrought jazzbo outing preserves 150 years of native cultures and clashes in a fine, regal style. And it was recorded at an Indian casino. With the load of pros doing pro things, this takes wing and soars mighty high in it’s presentation.”
Although he is principally known for his many compositions and arrangements for jazz ensemble, Stride, has also written countless arrangements for various entertainers and performers for almost every musical setting, from chamber ensembles to big bands, concert bands, theatre and symphony orchestras.
An associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre and a member of the Canadian League of Composers, he is also the winner of the 2007 International Jazz Arranging Competition for his arrangement of Michael Brecker’s Peep.
TRACKS
Movement I - The Place
Movement II - The First
Movement III - The Newcomers
Movement IV - The In-Between
Movement V - September 1905
Movement VI - Saskatchesport
Movement VII - Thank You, Mr. Douglas
Movement VIII - Saskatchejazz
