Search - Rob McConnell :: Rob Mcconnell Tentet

Superb Recording

John Tapscott | Canada | 09/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rob McConnell has put the 22 piece Boss Brass on hold for a while (let's hope temporarily) and has been writing and playing recently with his Tentet. The group consists of 1 trumpet, 1 flugelhorn, 2 trombonists, 1 alto sax, 2 tenor saxes, piano, bass and drums; in other words a stripped down Boss Brass. While I confess that I miss the sounds of the bigger sections this is a superb recording from any perspective - writing, playing, and recording quality. The musicians are some of the top Canadian players and the ensemble blend they achieve is strikingly beautiful, whether on up-tempo burners such as "Old Devil Moon" and "Ian Leaps Out" or ballads such as "Lush Life." McConnell's arrangements are, as always, tasteful, swinging and unique enough to grab your attention, without ever resorting to anything "off the wall." Perhaps the most satisfying arrangements are on the mid-tempo pieces such as Mulligan's "Theme for Jobim" or "Speak Low" (a particularly effective arrangement featuring bassist Steve Wallace.) Just about everyone in the band gets a chance to shine in solo work, including trumpeter Steve McDade, fuglehornist Guido Basso, pianist Dave Restivo and alto P.J Perry. Drummer Terry Clarke provides superb support on every track. Unfortuntely, the liner notes fail to distinguish between tenorist Mike Murley and Alex Dean, which is a bit frustrating when you're trying to figure out who's soloing, especially on "Two Bass Hit." They are both wonderful players, though.
Anyone who appreciates arranged modern jazz in the bop idiom with lots of solo space will enjoy this fine recording."

"May We Keep Going" .....I Certainly Hope So!

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 09/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was a quote from Rob McConnell at the end of the liner notes for this cd. I have become a devotee of his music since I first heard the Boss Brass some years(?) ago. If you read the liner notes, besides his obvious sense of self-deprecating humor, this is a guy who thoroughly enjoys playing the music....even after a 32 year career!The music still has the rich harmony of the Boss Brass in the arrangements......a real mellow sound even though this is a much smaller group. I think this is exemplified on "Speak Low" and "Theme for Jobim". As usual, the current Rob McConnell band is composed of excellent musicians.....dig the sax feature "Two Bass Hit" wich really cooks! "Ian Leaps Out" also moves along at a good clip! My personal favorites are "Maybe September", a beautiful ballad written by Percy Faith which is finally getting some recognition, and the Billy Strayhorn composition "Lush Life" featuring the flugelhorn of Guido Basso.I suppose with only 10 musicians there was no need felt to credit soloists on the various cuts, but not knowing either tenor sax player I would have appreciated that.This is really good jazz and if you are a fan of Rob McConnell or appreciate a band with great soloists, this will be a welcome addition to your collection."