Pierre Dørge & New Jungle Orchestra - Even the Moon Is Dancing (SteepleChase, 1985)

This post is by Scott

Pierre Dørge (g, bal, vo, cond); Harry Beckett (tr, flgn); Kenneth Agerholm (tb, African hn); Niels Neergaard (tb, African hn); Jesper Zeuthen (as); Doudou Gouirand (as, ss); Søren Eriksen (as, ss); Morten Carlsen (ts, fl, bsx, cl, tárogató, ob); John Tchicai (ts, vo); Irene Becker (kybds, vo, caxixi); Bent Clausen (vib, perc, siren); Hugo Rasmussen (b); Johnny "Mbizo" Dyani (b, p, vo); Ahmadu Jarr (African perc, train fl); Marilyn Mazur (d, kal, bells)

Recorded on July 30, 1985

Pierre Dørge's post-modern big band melds a delicious jumble of influences, and it's loaded with distinctive soloists.  Combined with Dørge's unique compositions, the group makes a formidable impact.  Beginning with what feels like a statement of intent, the disc opens with an updated version of Ellington's "The Mooche" that captures the whimsicality and otherworldliness of the original.  They also reprise "The Mooche" briefly at the very end of the album, as a sort of bookend, a reminder of the footsteps in which they're traveling.  (Of course, the name that Dørge chose for his band is yet another tip of the cap in Ellington's direction.)  The second cut, Dørge's "Suho Ning Samo," is joyous and dancing with Dørge's guitar sounding of Afro-pop.  Other tracks are long and flowing, evoking a palpable sense of journey and discovery.  Running through it all, there's an omni-present sense of Africa, of rhythm -- and it's joined with a feeling of striving for the furthest reaches of the cosmos.  In this regard, Even the Moon Is Dancing not only builds upon the bedrock of Ellington but also echoes Sun Ra and his Arkestra's ecstatic, intergalactic flights.