This Nonet Swings!
F. Norman Vickers | Pensacola, FL United States | 02/10/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Why a nonet? Because this combination of nine players gives the driving swing of a big band with the improvizational flexibility of a small group. All the musicians on this recording are superb. Personnel include Jim Cifelli as leader, composer trumpeter and flugelhornist; Andy Gravish, trumpet and flugelhorn; Cliff Lyons, alto and soprano sax; Barbara Cifelli, bari sax, C and alto flute and bass clarinet; Joel Frahm, tenor sax; Pete McCann, guitar; Mary Ann McSweeney, bass; and Tim Horner, drums.Most of the eight selections are Jim Cifelli compositions with the exception of Fe Fi Fo Fum/Epeak No Evil and Cole Porter's What Is this Thing Called Love?If you like tight, swinging arrangements and soaring trumpets, this album is for you. I was particularly impressed with the baritone saxophone work of Barbara Cifelli, Peter McCann's tasteful guitar and the string bass work of Mary Ann McSweeney."