Who says the Big Band Era is over? Here are a couple of recordings that are both intelligent and swinging.
Grammy nominated arranger, trombonist and vocalist Pete McGuinness puts together some exciting charts on both originals, standards and traditionals. He takes a piece like Stephen Foster’s “Beauiful Dreamer” and adds fascinating layers of harmonies between Dave Pietro’s soprano to create a fascinating tapestry. McGuinness sings richly on “You Don’t Know What Love Is” while Bruce Eidem’s trombone and Andy Eulau’s bass weave in and out. The leader’s own “The Send-Off” is an enticing ensemble that includes some sassy tenor sax work by tom Christensen” while dave Reikenberg’s bari and Marc Phaneuf’s alto get some spotlight on the high stepping “The Swagger.” Lots to appreciate here.
David White directs an exciting and fervent collection of six originals here, with a frenetically exuberant “Mister Sheperd’s Misadventures” being highlighted by tenor saxist Sam Dillon, and the swinging for the fences “And the People Could Fly” featuring Pablo Masis on trumpet. An ear catching duet between Rick Parker/tb and Sam Dillon lead into a grooving “The Sweetest Bite of Cherry” before Sam Taylor’s tenor takes the baton to the finish line. Your neck will be in supple form by the time the band gets to “Blues for Sally Draper,” making this short but sweet session a tasty treat. Get these guys to LA!
Summit Records
Mister Shepherd Records