Customer Reviews

Big Band Trane

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Then why only 4 stars?.......confusion! There are only 2 compositions of Coltrane in the album.....plus "My Favorite Things", arguably, the definitive recording by Coltrane (1963).

Other than that , the music is great with the other 7 tracks composed by Bob Mintzer in a Coltrane mode. The whole affair comes off really well with a lot of fine solo work...a good part of it Mintzer's.

The only glitch, for me, was a rather bizarre intro to "A Love Supreme - Acknowledgement" which I didn't care for.

Otherwise a good mixture of some slower moody compositions and some medium tempo movers.....all excellent arrangements and good solos from the likes of Randy Brecker, Michael Mossman and Pete Yellin.

Very good orchestration on "Impressions" and two other selections "Softly Spoken" (just that!) and "Spirits", one of the moodier pieces.

All in all, I'm very happy with this cd and look forward to playing it often.

The previous reviewer seems to criticize this recording because only 3 of the 10 numbers are compositions of John Coltrane or are closely associated with Coltrane, such as "My Favorite Things." I believe you should take Bob Mintzer's word for it, that the entire album is dedicated to John Coltrane.
With that out of the way, you can relax and enjoy a spirited, thoughtful and swinging big band album. Big bands are not a dime a dozen in our era. So any big band album that plays straight ahead jazz in a original way is to be treasured. This is one.
There can be no doubt that Bob Mintzer has been deeply influenced by Coltrane. He takes ample solo space on this album, and Coltrane's influence is evident.
Other members of the band are featured to great advantage. Randy Brecker and Michael Mossman on trumpet do a fine job. Pianist Phil Markowitz plays admirably. Drummer John Riley is a great asset to this band.
Pete Yellin plays a great alto sax solo on "Impressions." Although no one asked me, I consider "Impressions" to be the quintessential Coltrane solo, and not "Chasin the Trane" as many people assert.
By the way, Bob says this band has been together for 12 years as of this 1995 recording. What a history!
If you are looking for an original big band jazz recording, look no further than here.