Swing Out

Performer: Bob Mintzer
Artist: Kurt Elling
Producer: Jay Ashby; Marty Ashby
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Bob Mintzer: Bob Mintzer (flute, tenor saxophone); David Taylor (bass trombone); Michael Davis, Jay Anderson, Jim Rotondi, Pete Yellin, Phil Markowitz, Roger Rosenberg, Scott Wendholt, Lawrence Feldman, Bob Millikan, Keith O'Quinn, John Riley , Frank Greene, Larry Farrell, Bob Malach. Personnel: Pete Yellin, Lawrence Feldman (flute, alto saxophone); Bob Malach (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Roger Rosenberg (clarinet, baritone saxophone); Scott Wendholt (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jim Rotondi, Bob Millikan, Frank Greene (trumpet); Michael Davis, Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell (trombone); Davide Taylor (bass trombone); Phil Markowitz (piano); Jay Anderson (bass instrument, upright bass); John Riley (drums). Bob Mintzer has led big bands off and on since the late 1970s, in addition to small groups and working as a part of the jazz fusion band the Yellowjackets. These sessions open with his colorful "'Swing Out," a forward-thinking chart in the mold of Bob Brookmeyer's large ensemble writing. "Each Day" is an upbeat number with a gospel undercurrent, while "Swangalang" is an infectious midtempo blues. Vocalist Kurt Elling once again guests on a track, writing lyrics to Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny's "Minuano," delivering a heartfelt performance followed by potent solos from Mintzer and pianist Phil Markowitz. Mintzer also finds fresh approaches with his arrangements of the standards "My Shining Hour" and the venerable "Someday My Prince Will Come." The tenor saxophonist's arrangements are first-rate throughout these enjoyable sessions. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD benefits the programs of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh. ~ Ken Dryden

Down Beat (p.76) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Mintzer's writing deals primarily in rhythm and phrasing in this offering. He delights in tight cornering and hedge leaping the section passages of his charts." JazzTimes (p.68) - "Utilizing a 16-piece unit with five saxophones, four trumpets and four trombones, plus rhythm section, he creates striking, rhythmically complex parts for the reeds and horns to play in contrast, before they subside while he and one or two of the others take extended solos."

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