Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra: Give It One

123

Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra: Give It One

By

Sign in to view read count
Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra: Give It One
Soaring high above his powerful big band, trumpeter Dan McMillion thrills his audience with contemporary action and a hard-hitting wallop. His title track, a burner written by Maynard Ferguson with Alan Downey, drives the band exuberantly in a fit of passion. The band puts goose bumps on your arms and sets your feet and hands in rhythmic motion, as McMillion pours it on forcefully.

Ballads and up-tempo romps give the program variety. The leader's powerful trumpet solos reach sky-high and deliver a convincing blow. He shares the solo spotlight with a number of creative artists, including baritone saxophonist Dalton Hagler, tenor saxophonist Mark Gould, trombonist Keith Oshiro, pianist Chris Rottmayer, and alto saxophonist Tom Dietz. Proud big band arrangements by Frank Mantooth, Don Sebesky, Bill Holman and others give the program a majestic quality.

McMillion's full trumpet tone gives ballads such as Cole Porter's "So in Love" and John Coltrane's "Naima" a convincing aura. His upper register fireworks explode brilliantly on burners such as "Birdland" and "Watermelon Man." Maynard Ferguson's bluesy ballad, "Footpath Café," gives him the opportunity to open up and show off his best quality: a veteran's grasp of the blues and a heartfelt manner of interpreting the music. If you liked Maynard Ferguson in his prime, you'll fall in love with Dan McMillion's Give it One.

Track Listing

Just Friends; Give It One; Bridge Over Troubled Water; Coconut Champaign; Fan It Janet; So in Love; Birdland; Footpath Caf

Personnel

Dan McMillion, Chad Shoopman, Brian Scanlon, Jim Derrick, Mike Iapichino, Alan Stegeman- trumpet, flugelhorn; Keith Oshiro, Matt Buckmaster, Chris Clifton- trombone, Jason Smith- trombone; Jim Hall- bass trombone; Tom Dietz- alto saxophone, flute; Wayne Beardwood- alto saxophone; Mark Gould, Tim Stamps- tenor saxophone; Dalton Hagler- baritone saxophone; Chris Rottmayer- piano, keyboards; Joe Porter- double bass, electric bass; Glen Bush- drums, Latin percussion.

Album information

Title: Give It One | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Sea Breeze Jazz

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

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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