Vince Mendoza thrilled listeners with 2021s topical Freedom Over Everything, his debut for BMGs Modern Recordings with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. A composer, conductor, and arranger, Mendoza continues to meld his musical passions -- from samba, flamenco, and tango to jazz, rock, R&B, and pop -- on Olympians, a reunion with the Dutch Metropole Orkest, the only full-time jazz and pop orchestra in the world. Affiliated since 1995, Mendoza served as chief conductor between 1995 and 2004; he is currently one of three. Olympians offers new performances of compositions Mendoza wrote over the years. He also enlisted guest soloists including singers Dianne Reeves and Cecile McLorin Salvant, saxophonists Chris Potter and David Binney, percussionist Alex Acuna, and late guitarist Ramon Stagnaro (playing charango). Opener "Quixote" rushes in with its M.O. at full syncopated power. Mendoza layers in a short percussion break from Acuna, then underscores Marc Scholtens solo soprano sax with dramatic orchestral support. "Esperanto" is a vocal version of "Esperanca," from 1997s Epiphany. It is loosely inspired by Pablo Nerudas Book of Questions with lyrics by Kurt Elling. Mendozas slow-building chart takes full advantage of Reeves multi-octave range and her vocalese command over a large ensemble. She sings and chants, wedding folk melody and Brazilian rhythms with brass and the Black sacred vocal tradition. "House of Reflections" is a showcase for Salvant. An elegant ballad co-written by Mendoza and British jazz vocal icon Norma Winstone, it was composed in tribute to late trumpet great Kenny Wheeler. Strings and winds paint a dreamy, gauzy frame for the singer, while Hans Vroomans intuitive pianism supports her warmly, soulfully delivered lines. "Miracle Child" opens with Peter Tiehuis bluesy electric guitar soloing; reeds, winds, and strings then add textural dimension. Vibes, glockenspiel, drum kit, and double bass join next before the orchestra begins stitching contemporary post-bop and classical impressionism in a panorama of color and drama before Scholtens emotive alto solo brings it back to earth and Tiehuis guides it home. "Big Night" is set to a fingerpopping hard bop tempo, it offers big, fat brass, swirling strings and swooping winds framed by funky bass and drums. Mendozas harmonic melody is infectious enough to hum along with and offers fine solos by tenor saxophonist Leo Janssen and Tiehuis. "Lake Fire" is a big-band extravaganza, full or propulsive force, shifting dynamics, complex colors, and adventurous timbres. It features a fire-breathing tenor solo from David Binney. "Barcelona" is a showcase for Mendozas brand of 21st century progressive big band. The inherent swing in the textured, layered dynamics is accomplished by juxtaposing intricate lines for brass, winds, and reeds simultaneously, and buoying them with soaring strings countered by a breaking snare and funky bass. Tenor saxophonist Chris Potter adds heft and ballast to the tunes post-bop drama with his solo. Closer "Bright Lights and Jubilations" was recorded live. It evidences the reach, imagination, and sophistication of this continued collaboration with driving swing, rocking blues, and elegant R&B, making Olympians almost peerless in quality and vision. ~ Thom Jurek

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