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Justin Haynes: Shoeless in Georgetown
ByAs an arranger, Haynes touches a number of bases, from straight-ahead to funky, blues to ballads, and even a touch of New Orleans-style swing ("Jelly Roll Meets James," a feature for the trombone section). His snappy arrangement of "There Will Always Be Another You" (on which the word "Always" replaces "Never") is an explicit highlight, as is the trumpet solo by David Hoffman (who is showcased later on the ballad "All I Need Is You"). The four exceptions to Haynes' originals are John Coltrane's "Giant Steps," Stephen Foster's "Gentle Annie" (featuring trombonist Garlock), Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" (Larry Harms, tenor) and an abbreviated "bonus" track, Randy Brecker's zestful "Some Skunk Funk," joined in progress and enfolding heated solos by McNeill and Goode before abruptly fading out.
"Shoeless," a groovy throwback to the bop era, leads things off while introducing the earnest solo sorties of tenor Michael Kennedy Jr. Harms and drummer Tom Marko share the honors on the shuffling "Mean Mr. Marvin," after which McNeill and pianist Michael Stryker strike a proper balance on the laid-back blues, "If You're Lyin.'" Kennedy, McNeill, Harms, baritone Toby Thomas and alto Aaron Kippola are front and center on "Giant Steps," trombonist David Fletcher on the hard-rocking "Atrocity." Another blues, this one a more upbeat lament "For Barksdale," incorporates effective solos by Stryker, guitarist George Turner, bass trombonist Reggie Chapman and trumpeters Todd Kelly and John Cooper.
How Haynes managed to locate and assemble such a stellar lineup of musicians in rural Illinois is anyone's guess, but the fact that he has is undeniable. Shoeless in Georgetown is a better-than-average big-band performance, sound quality for a concert is more than satisfactory, and if value for the dollar is a concern, the album's playing time is seventy-nine minutes. A win-win for the listener.
Track Listing
Shoeless in Georgetown; Mean Mr. Marvin; If You’re Lyin’; Giant Steps; Gentle Annie; There Will Always Be Another You; Atrocity; Blues for Barksdale; All I Need Is You; Jelly Roll Meets James; Isn’t She Lovely; Some Skunk Funk (bonus track).
Personnel
Justin Haynes
composer / conductorJustin Haynes: leader, composer, arranger; Brad Goode: trumpet; Todd Kelly: trumpet; David Hoffman: trumpet; John Cooper: trumpet; Chip McNeill: alto sax; Aaron Kippola: alto sax; Larry Harms: tenor sax; Michael Kennedy Jr: tenor sax; Toby Thomas: baritone sax; Scott Garlock: trombone; David Fletcher: trombone; Kyle Traeger: trombone; Reggie Chapman: bass trombone; George Turner: guitar; Michael Stryker: piano; Matt Hughes: bass; Tom Marko: drums, percussion; Kevin Nichols: drums, percussion.
Album information
Title: Shoeless in Georgetown | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Justin Haynes
Instrument: Composer / conductor
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