Customer Reviews

Music of the Twenties

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Don't let the title mislead you. This is definitely not music of the 1920's as you imagine it to be. Indeed, the tunes selected and arranged by Rob McConnell for his latest Tentet CD all have strong and enduring melodies. In addition, they are given the full-out, straight-ahead jazz treatment by McConnell, who has been, without question, one of jazz's most interesting and inventive arrangers over the past 30 years. One of the keys to McConnell's success is that he never fails to make his arrangements swing, and he always keeps his musicians and listeners alert with tricky tempo changes (check out "Lover Come Back to Me" and "Always") and unexpcted harmonies ("How Long Has This Been Going On", for example). Rick Wilkins, another of Canada's top arrangers contributes one excellent arrangement ("Remember") to this CD and acts as co-producer.

The Tentet excels because of the superb tune choices and arrangements, but also because of superb musicianship. These guys are right at the top of Canada's jazz and musical community. Special mention must go to bassist Steve Wallace and drummer Terry Clarke. There is not a tighter and more swinging bass-drums duo anywhere on this planet. If you've heard the previous CD's by the Tentet then you know that the solo team is exceptional - saxophonists P.J. Perry, Alex Dean and Mike Murley, trumpeters Guido Basso and Steve McDade, trombonists McConnell and Terry Promane, and pianist Dave Restivo, who especially shines on this CD. All the soloists are featured on the opening "Thou Swell" and each has a feature or two on the other tunes. Murley and Dean are an outstanding tenor team, and the lead trumpet of Steve McDade is expecially strong throughout. There is no point listing highlights, because every tune and arrangement is outstanding.

The Tentet's earlier CD's are both highly recommended, but if anything "Music of the Twenties" features even tighter ensemble playing and warmer, clearer, recorded sound. Even at this level, things can keep getting better all the time!
This is a superb 72 minute CD, and enthusiastically recommended.

Rob's talents as an arranger and performer are missed. He's been one of my favorite big band arranger since the 80's. This album is a fitting addition to his catalog. The band is smoking as usual from one of Rob's groups. It's great to hear Guido Basso play trumpet and flugel again. It's a smaller group than the old Boss Brass, but I might actually like the smaller group better. You won't be sorry you bought this CD.