Want some nice big band charts? Trombonist John Fedchock leads a hip 20+ swinging team and does some nice arranging as well. He’s got the right guys on the team; Scott Robinson/bs, Gary Smulyan/bs, Rich Perry/ts, Bobby Sanabria/perc and Barry Ries/tp are just a few of the guys pulling their weight here. The section work shows lots of punch as on Fedchock’s own salsa gem “Lilke It Is” and the sizzling “Ojos De Rojo” which includes Smulyan, Scott Wendholt/p and Allen Farnharm/p doing some nice solo work. The section work has the brass and reeds going like a jai alai match on “ You and the Night and the Music” while the saxes get sassy for Robinson on Ellington’s “Just Squeeze Me.” Farnham pulls out his McCoy Tyner inspiration for a driving modal “Ten Thirty 30” while the rhythm slithers for the leader’s solo on “Havana.” Lots of sparks fly here, and some catch a fire.
Mama Records