Jazz Articles about Pete McCann

Pete McCann: Pay for It on the Other Side

by Glenn Astarita
November 26, 2018

World-class guitarist Pete McCann (Spin Cycle, Mahavishnu Project, Curtis Stigers) composed 10 pieces with his band members specifically in mind. His all-star quintet exhibits near flawless execution with tuneful hooks, stirring improvisational passages, and a strong mix of material that covers a lot of bases. And when the leader uses his pedals and EFX mechanisms, tinged with a bit of studio reverb, the jazz and jazz fusion soundscapes go off the charts. He seemingly inflicts pain on his electric guitar ...

Pete McCann: Range

by Roger Farbey
September 10, 2015

This is the fifth album as leader by NYC-based guitarist Pete McCann and demonstrates just what heights the jazz guitar is capable of reaching when placed in the hands of an expert who understands the meaning of balance and finesse. Opening with the breezy “Kenny," a paen to the late Kenny Wheeler (with whom Pete McCann had performed), the guitarist lays down flurries of rapid-fire notes, with notable solo appearances here by Henry Hey on piano and John O'Gallagher on ...

Pete McCann: Range

by Troy Collins
September 9, 2015

Wisconsin-born guitarist Pete McCann has been a mainstay in the New York City jazz scene for over 25 years, yet mysteriously continues to elude widespread recognition, despite his impressive virtuosity. McCann's enviably diverse skills are well-documented on the aptly titled Range, the fifth release issued under his name. Joined by alto saxophonist John O'Gallagher, keyboardist Henry Hey, bassist Matt Clohesy and drummer Mark Ferber, McCann and company embark on an eclectic excursion exploring myriad genres, from straight-ahead and post-bop to ...

Melissa Stylianou: Silent Movie

by AAJ Italy Staff
March 20, 2012

Silent Movie è il quarto album per Melissa Stylianou. La cantante canadese si destreggia con la sua voce vellutata e intimista tra standard di jazz e cover di classici pop, blues e folk, offrendoci un disco molto variegato ma omogeneo grazie anche ad arrangiamenti impeccabili che sanno valorizzare al meglio il suo grande talento. Basta già il brano di apertura, “Smile" di Charlie Chaplin, in cui la Stylianou riesce a far suo il pezzo trasmettendo all'ascoltatore un grande senso di ...

Pete McCann: Looking Forward

by Matthew Warnock
December 22, 2009

Jazz guitarist and educator Pete McCann has been a first-call sideman and bandleader on the New York scene for almost twenty years. Possessing a musical style that draws from the blues, jazz and rock genres, McCann's playing and writing styles are as diverse as his influences. Having worked with such world-class performers as Lee Konitz, Chris Tarry, Dave Liebman, Kenny Garrett, Greg Osby, Brian Blade and the Maria Schneider Orchestra, McCann has appeared on over fifty recordings as a sideman. ...

Pete McCann: Extra Mile

by AAJ Italy Staff
November 24, 2009

Un incisione come Extra Mile si avvicina molto all'estetica di label indipendenti come la Fresh Sound New Talent (non a caso John O'Gallagher e Mark Ferber sono abituali frequentatori di quegli studi di registrazione). Un estetica che da spazio a musicisti giovani, emergenti, o sottovalutati, gli permette di esprimersi in assoluta libertà in contesti congeniali, anche molto diversi tra di loro, e con differenti compagni di viaggio. Così che la personalità artistica e umana del musicista ne possa uscire a ...

Pete McCann: Extra Mile

by Mark Corroto
August 9, 2009

Pete McCann may be a kind of a guitar superman, considering his work with bands led by Patti Austin, Lee Konitz, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Liebman, Kenny Garrett, Peter Erskine, Gary Thomas, Greg Osby, Brian Blade and Maria Schneider.

Since moving to New York in 1989, McCann has lent his skills to these diverse leaders, which shows his chameleon-like approach. He is equally comfortable playing pre- and post-bop jazz, as well as electric fusion, acoustic, Latin and rock--all of ...