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Ben Markley Big Band: Ari's Funhouse
ByAlthough not basically known as a big-band drummer, Hoenig has no trouble lighting a roaring fire under Markley's blue-chip ensemble. Meanwhile, as a composer, Hoenig has his own singular voice, and Markley "arranges" every theme so that his point of view is always front and center. Even though scrupulously modern, that voice harkens back to a time when big bands wielded musical sovereignty and swing carried the day. Hoenig also has a funky side, but he and Markley save that for last, on the assertive yet off-beat "Green Spleen."
Elsewhere, Funhouse is exactly that, a first-class big band blowing up a storm with perceptive charts, precise section work, admirable solos and unflagging esprit de corps. Hoenig's drums are persuasive but not overwhelming, while Markley's arrangements bring out the best in every section. Even though most numbers are up-tempo, Hoenig reveals a keen ear for a ballad on "For Tracy." The band comes out swinging on "Birdless" and continues apace with "Lyric," "Lines of Oppression" and "Bert's Playground" before wrapping up the package with "Tracy," the Middle Eastern-inspired tone poem "Arrows and Loops" (including superb solos by Markley, Hoenig and alto saxophonist Wil Swindler) and "Green Spleen."
As noted, the ensemble is unerring, as are the soloists: Markley, Swindler, Hoenig, tenor saxophonists John Gunther and Peter Sommer, trumpeters Dan Jonas and Greg Gisbert, trombonist Paul McKee, guitarist Steve Kovalcheck and bassist Evan Gregor. In sum, Markley's invitation to Hoenig has paid handsome dividends, and Ari's Funhouse, ship-shape and well-ordered, is a wonderful place to spend a pleasurable hour or more.
Track Listing
Birdless; Lyric; Lines of Oppression; Bert's Playground; For Tracy; Arrows and Loops; Green Spleen
Personnel
Ben Markley
pianoAri Hoenig
drumsPeter Olstad
trumpetGreg Gisbert
trumpetDan Jonas
trumpetAlan Hood
trumpetAdam Bartczak
trombonePaul McKee
tromboneRob Borger
tromboneJon Gauer
tromboneWil Swindler
woodwindsScott Turpen
saxophone, altoPeter Sommer
saxophone, tenorJohn Gunther
saxophone, tenorSam Williams
saxophone, tenorSteve Kovalcheck
guitarEvan Gregor
bass, acousticAlbum information
Title: Ari's Funhouse | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: OA2 Records
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Ben Markley
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Ari's Funhouse
OA2 Records
ari hoenig
Wil Swindler
John Gunther
Peter Sommer
Dan Jonas
Greg Gisbert
Paul McKee
Steve Kovalcheck
Evan Gregor