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Bob McChesney Quartet: No Laughing Matter
ByBob McChesney exhibits his amazing technical prowess by performing rapid Bop-ish notes in quadruple time atop the bang-up and swiftly swinging rhythmic support on the opener, “Meet Me Where They Play The Blues”. On this piece, the band launch the proceedings in forward motion with a few bars of dream-laden Blues lines, while subsequently pulling out the stops with some hard-driving and fierce grooves that will most assuredly grab the listener’s attention. These are consummate professionals with a mission in mind as they generate lush lyricism on Allen’s sentimental yet alluring composition, “Time”. “Road Rage” is pure post-Bop led by McChesney’s commanding presence and authoritative articulation of the strong melody line amid stinging rhythms and shifting crosscurrents. Again, McChesney’s impossibly fast; disciplined, clear-toned and concise delivery is utterly mind-boggling while seldom if ever, missing a note! Yet, this is not all about chops as McChesney and his counterparts perform with emotion and great depth. The band turn Allen’s “Steve’s Blues” into a vivacious blues/swing romp as the rhythm section kick matters into overdrive with sterling interplay, sharpshooter-style precision and hearty soloing.
No Laughing Matter -The Bob McChesney Quartet Plays Steve Allen is clearly top-shelf stuff as the venerable Steve Allen must be proud of these lads! Besides the truly motivated and passionate performances from the ensemble, McChesney’s quick-witted maneuvers and soul-searching delivery is flat out, mesmerizing! Without a doubt, Bob McChesney is one of the finest trombonists this writer has ever heard as No Laughing Matter is to be taken quite seriously! Highly recommended. * * * * *
Track Listing
Meet Me Where They Play the Blues; Time; Road Rage; Pretty People; Chittlins; Steve
Personnel
Bob McChesney
tromboneBob McChesney- trombone; Matt Harris- piano; Trey Henry- bass; Dick Weller- drums.
Album information
Title: No Laughing Matter | Year Released: 2000
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