Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Pete Ellman: For Pete's Ache

5

Pete Ellman: For Pete's Ache

By

Sign in to view read count
Pete Ellman: For Pete's Ache
Long a fixture throughout Chicagoland, the Ellman name is synonymous with all things musical. No "ache" at all, this album is a fun big-band romp. There is some outstanding ensemble and solo work and the various terrific arrangements bring the best out of a superb, engaged ensemble.

The opener, "High Speed Pursuit," is a whirlwind burner which demonstrates the swing, muscle, and solo talent of this fine ensemble. Think "Naked Gun" on speed. The swing spirit is evident in the title tune—one that is reminiscent of those Buddy Rich burners of the late '60s. This group has an energy which is hard to top, as on "The Adventures of Snooky and Bumbles," an adventure and exploration in "Rhythm." Yet, there is some very fine ballad playing here too, as on "Soon It's Gonna Rain" featuring a very tasty David Katz flugelhorn solo.

There are a handful of fine arrangers involved, each offering their unique creative wares. Each takes advantage of the collective and individual talents of this ensemble and challenges same. Excellent examples are Larry Harris's Gil Evans-ish "Soon It's Gonna Rain," the hip Latin take from Matt Harris on Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing," and the slick mash-up by Daniel Moore of "Manteca" with "Take the 'A' Train." Alan Blaylock's "Livin' Larger Than Life" is another example where arranging skill meets ensemble chops. The result of this input variety leads to most enjoyable listening.

Lead trumpeter Roger Ingram commands this ship magnificently along with in-pocket men, drummer Bill Byan, percussionist Ron Spaeth, and their fine rhythm mates, Larry Harris, Aaron Kruger, and Keith Brady. Their collective cooking on "Tenor Sanity," a re-work on the Sonny Rollins "Madness" classic, is a muscular tenor battle between Ira Nevins and Ian Letts.

For Pete's Ache is the kind of big band album that serves up an intelligent, entertaining, and very swinging near-hour. It is an honest, no-frills, trip to Big Band Land.

Track Listing

High Speed Pursuit, When Lights Are Low, For Pete's Ache, Soon It's Gonna Rain, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Home Sweet Home, Manteca the 'A' Train, Tenor Sanity, Dos Cinco Juan, The Adventures of Snooky and Bumbles, Livin' Larger Than Life.

Personnel

Pete Ellman
trumpet
Roger Ingram
trumpet
David Katz
trumpet
Daniel Moore
trumpet
Steve Schnall
saxophone, alto
Ian Letts
saxophone, alto
Craig Roselieb
saxophone, alto
Ian Nevins
saxophone, tenor
Andy Schlinder
saxophone, tenor
Ted Hogarth
saxophone, baritone
Keith Pitner
trombone
Richard Clark
trombone
Andy Baker
trombone
John Blane
trombone, bass
Additional Instrumentation

Bill Byan: drums, Ron Spaeth: percussion

Album information

Title: For Pete's Ache | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: One Too Tree 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

Popular

Esengo
London Afrobeat Collective
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet
Eagle's Point
Chris Potter

Get more of a good thing!

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