Search - Rob McConnell :: Thank You Ted

Thank You, Ted! Thank You, Rob!

John Tapscott | Canada | 01/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Ted in the title is Ted O'Reilly, a respected Toronto jazz DJ and concert promoter since 1965, as well as the road manager for McConnell's late and lamented Boss Brass. Personally, I still miss the Boss Brass, but McConnell's Tentet is a corker of a band, combining Canadian jazz veterans such as Guido Basso, Terry Clarke, and P.J. Perry, with new stars such as Mike Murley and Dave Restivo.
For the Tentet's second well-recorded CD, McConnell has taken nine jazz standards and arranged them in his distinctive mainstream, swinging style. The band's playing is impeccable and there is great variety here in mood and tempo. Listen to the way Clarke kicks up a storm behind tenorman Alex Dean on "If I Were A Bell;" or the melodic solos of tenorman Mike Murley, trombonist Terry Promane, and pianist Dave Restivo on the relaxed "Lke Someone in Love;" or Basso's delicate fluegelhorn on "I'll Never Stop Loving You;" or the leader's valve trombone on "Everything Happens to Me;" or the straight-ahead swinging on Vic Dickenson's "Constantly;" or the passionate alto of P.J. Perry on "For All We Know." (And McConnell's voicings on this last chart are most interesting). There is also an engaging tenor "battle" on Horace Silver's "The Outlaw."
Needless to say, the talent level in this band is at the very highest level. Plus the music is simply wonderful and fills me with warmth and delight. "Thank You, Ted" is a highly recommended recording along with the Tentet's first CD. Thank You, Rob!"