Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra: First Flight

220

Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra: First Flight

By

Sign in to view read count
Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra: First Flight
Trombonist/composer/arranger Pete McGuinness has twenty years on the New York jazz scene under his belt, playing with the Woody Herman Big Band (directed by Frank Tibieri) and the Maria Schneider Orchestra, alongside studies with trombonist Bob Brookmeyer and Manny Album. So it's no surprise that his first recording leading his Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra, First Flight, soars and swings with the best of them.

Like all of the best large ensemble leaders, McGuinness showcases the talents of his band members, opening the show with his title tune. It starts out with a bright big band fanfare before featuring a high energy solo by trumpeter Chris Rogers and sizzling turn from tenor saxophonist Tom Christensen. Trombonist McGuinness then steps out front, keeping the pace moving full speed ahead.

McGuinness' arrangement of the Charlie Chaplin gem,"Smile" has a soft, airy hue, and features the leader's smoothly gorgeous vocals, scatting first before taking on the lyrics, with a velvety approach that can be compared very favorably to Chet Baker or Mel Tormé. Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes," a laidback ballad, again features McGuinness out front on trombone. With Ivan Lins' "Comecar de Novo," McGuinness and company take on the Brazilian sound, featuring Paul Meyers' lilting guitar and Mike Holober's delicately pretty piano solo in front of a floating arrangement.

The last five tracks are all McGuinness originals, beginning with the pensive, Bob Brookmeyer-inspired "Lonely Dance." "The Tricksters" features a cooking four-trombone front line, and McGuiness wraps up the show with his lighter-than-air (Maria Schneider-inspired, perhaps) "A Fond Farewell," showcasing McGuinness' vocal talents again.

A first-rate debut.

Track Listing

First Flight; Smile; Infant Eyes; Come

Personnel

Pete McGuinness: leader, composer, arranger, trombone, vocals (2, 9); Tony Kadleck: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jon Owens: trumpet, flugelhorn; Bill Mobley: trumpet, flugelhorn; Chris Rogers: trumpet, flugelhorn; Dave Pietro: alto sax, flute; Charles Pillow: alto sax, flute; Tom Christensen: tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Jason Rigby: tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Dave Riekenberg: baritone sax; Bruce Eidem: trombone; Mike Christianson: trombone; Steve Armour: trombone; Jeff Nelson: bass trombone; Mike Holober: piano; Andy Eulau: bass; Scott Neumann: drums; Paul Meyers (4): guitar.

Album information

Title: First Flight | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Summit Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.