Customer Reviews

Group Therapy

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

 

 

To me, big bands almost always sound a bit stilted or overrehearsed in contrast to small groups, no matter how swinging they might be. Yet, the power of the big band sound still has its appeal to most of us jazz fanatics.

Here, McNeely's ten-piece band gives us the best of both. It's a big band sound in which there's enough solo space and quirky arrangements to give the discerning listener feelings of a smaller, more intimate group.

The highlights are a take of "Silent Night" that's so sly and smooth it'll sneak up on you, leaving you grinning, and a relaxing---but not boring---cover of the classic "Body and Soul."

Even if you don't usually like larger groups, take a chance on this one.

Jim McNeely is a compositional and arranging thunderstorm. From transforming standards to utilizing every sound an instrument can produce, he's the jazz equivalent of Ravel while having the out-the-box creativity of Bartok.

All of the players (esp. Scott Robinson and John Hollenbeck) are at the top of their game. This album is a must have for anyone interested in music with incredible depth and attention to detail, not just jazz.

can't stop listening to mcneely's music! this cd is so interesting - the performance is so perfect - the writing original. like a fine wine...

this cd is really good! buy it! love pete clare & gracie