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Michael Treni Big Band: Pop-Culture Blues
ByTreni launches his colorful odyssey with "One for Duke," inspired, of course, by the one and only Duke Ellington, and continues onward with assorted themes epitomizing the spirit of Count Basie, Charles Mingus, Lee Morgan and other Blue Note artists of the '60s, Gerry Mulligan and the "cool school," John Coltrane / Oliver Nelson, Herbie Hancock / Wayne Shorter, the Brecker brothers and McCoy Tyner. The last movement, "Pop-Culture Blues," Treni writes, "incorporates a variety of stylistic elements that is both representative of contemporary practice yet also pays tribute to the past." In his impressive commentary, Treni provides a cogent synopsis of each tune and its relation to the musicians on whose style it is based.
This is the blues in all its multifaceted glory, marvelously performed by twenty-one seasoned musicians to whom the genre seems second nature. What is missing (but by no means missed) are any vocal representations of the blues. There are no twanging guitars or throaty homilies to "muddy the waters" (pun intended), only the invigorating sounds of a world-class big band that knows its way around the blues. Even though this is a suite, its prismatic design ensures that each component can stand securely on its own. And if you're thinking the blues doesn't swing, the closing "Pop-Culture Blues" should drive that notion right out of your head.
Besides writing and arranging the suite, trombonist Treni solos on two numbers ("Minor Blues," "Bluesy Bossa") and earmarks ample space for others including trumpeters Chris Persad, Vinnie Cutro and Freddie Hendrix; tenor / soprano Jerry Bergonzi, alto Sal Spicola, tenors Frank Elmo and Ken Hitchcock, flutists Hitchcock and Craig Yaremko, trombonist Bob Ferrel (who plays something called a Buccin trombone on "Mr. Funky Blues"), pianists Charles Blenzig and Jim Ridl, bassist Takashi Otsuka and drummer Ron Vincent. Even if the blues isn't your bag, give "Pop-Culture Blues" a listen. Chances are you'll be surprised and delighted by its diversity.
Track Listing
One for Duke; BQE Blues; Minor Blues; Bluesy Boss; More Than 12 Blues; Summer Blues; Blues in Triplicate; Mr. Funky Blues; Smokin’ Blues; Pop-Culture Blues.
Personnel
Michael Treni: leader, composer, arranger, trombone; Freddie Hendrix: trumpet,flugelhorn; Bill Ash: trumpet, flugelhorn; Vinnie Cutro: trumpet; Nathan Ecklund: trumpet; Chris Persad: trumpet (1-5, 8-10); Sal Spicola: alto sax, flute; Craig Yaremko: alto sax, flute; Jerry Bergonzi: tenor, soprano sax (1, 6, 7, 9); Frank Elmo: tenor sax, alto flute, clarinet; Ken Hitchcock: tenor sax, alto flute, clarinet; Roy Nicolosi: baritone sax, bass clarinet, clarinet; Bob Ferrel: trombone, buccin trombone; Joe Petrizzo: trombone; Philip Jones: bass trombone, tuba; Jim Ridl: piano (1, 6, 7, 9); Charles Blenzig: piano (2-5, 8, 10); Joe LaBelle: guitar (2, 4, 8); Takashi Otsuka:bass; Ron Vincent: drums; Rick Dekovessey: percussion (4, 8).
Album information
Title: Pop-Culture Blues | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Bell Productions
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