Bob Mintzer Big Band: Old School: New Lessons

With Kurt Elling sitting in with the big band for two numbers and the Yellowjackets sitting in for two others, Mintzer's "new lessons take shape up front and in your face. The guest artists provide unique sounds that simply aren't a part of the traditional big band arrangement.

Elling sings with a casual air, but with an innovative presence. He gives John Coltrane's "Resolution a powerful vocalese interpretation that leads the big band with authority. Scott Wendholt's surging flugelhorn solo complements the singer's driving energy. Elling takes the emotion sky-high as he and the band honor the song's composer appropriately.

Mintzer picks up the EWI for "Mofongo with a Yellowjackets texture that scurries fast and furious. Smooth and cool in appearance, but buzzing like a lethal insect underneath, the interpretation combines inside strength with an outer layer of sweetness.

Mintzer's big band arrangements maintain a firm balance between sections. His use of deep, lower brass pedals along with bass gives "Not Quite Yet a firm foundation upon which his saxophone section rides gracefully. The New Orleans shuffle of "March Majestic allows the band's saxophone section to converse with both brass sections in a rambling affair.

Outstanding soloists on this recommended big band session include Mintzer, trumpeter Terrell Stafford, pianist Phil Markowitz, tenor saxophonist Bob Malach and baritone saxophonist Scott Robinson.

Visit Bob Mintzer on the web.