The Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra: Give It One

Among the eleven selections are two co-written by Maynard ("Give It One," "Footpath Café") and at least four others that are closely associated with the incomparable monarch of the high C's, including Joe Zawinul's funky "Birdland" and Don Sebesky's snappy "Fan It Janet." McMillion solos, on trumpet and/or flugelhorn, on every number save "Janet," showing clearly that when it comes to reaching the stratosphere he's not too far removed from his good friend and role model, Ferguson.

Besides the songs already mentioned, the orchestra body slams impressive charts by Wayne Beardwood (Miles Davis' "Milestones," Coltrane's "Naima"), Keith Mansfield ("Bridge Over Troubled Water"), the late Frank Mantooth (Cole Porter's "So in Love"), Bill Holman (Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man") and Ferguson alumni Tom Garling ("Just Friends") and Denis DiBlasio (his bubbly "Coconut Champagne"). While McMillion solos most often, there are others who comport themselves admirably in that sphere, most notably alto saxophonist Tom Dietz, tenors Mark Gould and Tim Stamps, baritone Dalton Hagler, trombonist Keith Oshiro, pianist Chris Rottmayer and drummer Glen Bush.

Maynard must be pleased to hear the music he helped popularize being played with such adeptness and enthusiasm by a new generation of jazz musicians shepherded by one of his long-time admirers, Dan McMillion. In fact, almost anyone who digs mind-blowing big band jazz should also be refreshed and elated.

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