The Psychic Horns: The Psychic Horns

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: August 1, 2001

Northeasterners; trumpeter John Allmark, woodwinds ace Dan Moretti and trombonist John Wheeler recently reunited to record their inaugural release. Hence, no underlying agendas here, as the band pursues a "Tower of Power" style funk-groove chart on the opener "From the One", which is all about 70's style, tightly coordinated unison horn arrangements atop crisp beats and radiant soloing, amid keyboardist Ben Cook’s judicious injections of harpsichord and Fender Rhodes-based motifs.

The ensemble renders blaring, reverb-laden horns for the intro of the Afro-Cuban tinged, "Have You Met Miss Jones." With this piece, the band toggles between Latin rhythms and medium tempo swing vamps as the soloists offer varying perspectives via multicolored tonal shadings in conjunction with drummer Vinnie Pagano and bassist Bill Miele’s booming patterns and shifting currents. Meanwhile, the musicians' straightforward yet atmospheric rendition of the always-delightful standard, "People Make The World Go Round" offsets some of the bold, brash pieces, also featuring Bruce Bartlett’s beefy electric guitar work. Sure, the band's palate does not suggest anything in the way of a groundbreaking musical revolution, yet The Psychic Horns' refreshing approach and nicely orchestrated arrangements speak volumes. Recommended.

Whaling City Sound

Track Listing: From The One; 91; Trippin'; Have You Met Miss Jones; People Make The World Go Round; Monday Night At Amsterdam's; Rudy

Personnel: John Allmark; trumpet: Dan Moretti; woodwinds: John Wheeler; trombone: Ben Cook; keyboards: Bruce Bartlett; guitar: Vinny Pagano or Marty Richards; drums: Guest artist: Bob Bowlby; baritone sax.

Record Label: Whaling City Sound
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream