The Bob Mintzer Big Band make a solid and tight start with the leaders own piece "El Caborojeno"; the live setting gives it all a sharper edge and "One O'clock Jump" is nicely arranged by Mintzer; Kurt Elling doing some gymnastic stretching in the vocals. Mintzer wrote five of the tracks and co wrote one with Kurt Elling; Count Basie, Herbie Hancock and "My Foolish Heart" by Victor Young and Ned Washington were the other contributors. The solo playing is always solid and sharp, Scott Wendholt on trumpet cuts good light and shade in his improvisations. The trombone of Michael Davis and Roger Rosenberg on baritone saxophone offers thoughtful solos in "Timeless", a smoother number, well arranged and very enjoyable. This is a solid and well earthed outfit, confidant mature playing with well written and arranged music. A good CD.
Ferdinand Maylin
Copyright Jazz Now, September 2005, all rights reserved.
Jazz Now Interactive September 2005 Vol 15 No. 5 - Table of Contents
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