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Gap Mangione: Stolen Moments
ByFive of the songs are by Lennon/McCartney, another by fellow Beatle George Harrison, and none is especially cozy in this framework; certainly nowhere near as persuasive as “Norwegian Wood,” which was so successfully renovated by the Buddy Rich big band in the late ‘60s. Guitarist Grant Geissman is featured on Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer’s “Moon River,” and again (with Mangione) on Simon and Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair.” There are three vocals, two by Cindy Miller—“The Need to Be” and a lively version of the old Vaughan Monroe/Nat King Cole hit from the ‘40s, “Dance Ballerina Dance”—the other by Dan Schmitt (“Knock on Wood”). The album opens with the shopworn “Happy Together,” which sets the mood for too much of what is to follow.
Mangione has a number of capable soloists in the band, most notably Geissman, trumpeter Jeff Jarvis and saxophonist Gerry Niewood, and they acquit themselves well, especially on the jazz-related numbers, as does Mangione himself. For too much of the time, however, the ensemble is held in check by the garden-variety material and charts that do little to enhance it. One must presume that Mangione had a useful purpose in mind, but it’s a risky plan at best, as pop fans may find the music too hip, whereas big-band enthusiasts may find it too bland.
Track Listing
Happy Together; The Fool on the Hill; And I Love Her; Knock on Wood; Big P; Stolen Moments; With a Little Help from My Friends; The Gap (1960); Moon River; The Need to Be; Dance Ballerina Dance; Something; Scarborough Fair; The Gap Theme; Golden Slumbers; The End (72:11).
Personnel
Gap Mangione
pianoGap Mangione, leader, piano, keyboards; Dennis Tribuzzi, Jeff Jarvis, Herb Smith, trumpet, flugelhorn; Gerry Niewood, Andy Weinzler, soprano, alto, tenor sax; Joe Romano, alto, tenor sax; John Viavatine, alto sax; Glenn Cashman, tenor sax; Nancy Boone, baritone sax; Mark Kellogg, John Hasselback, trombone; Bob Kalwas, bass trombone; Grant Geissman, guitars, synthesizer, percussion; Dan Schmitt, guitar, vocals; Tony Levin, Chip Jackson (5), Scott Alexander (6), Mike Downs (8), Grant Geissman (11), bass; Steve Gadd, drums; Cindy Miller, vocals; Wayne Naylor, backup vocals.
Album information
Title: Stolen Moments | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Josh Music