Customer Reviews

Planet Gap: Big Band

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I've owned this album since it was originally issued, and rank it as high if not higher than most big bands recording today. Not only are the arrangements terrific, their performances are equally noteworthy. In this excellent cd, Gap is joined by many of his Eastman musician friends, including Steve Gadd, Gerry Niewood, et al, all of whom contribute mightily to Gap's excellent keyboard stylings. I've listened to this album multiple times and always come away humming, my spirit gladdened by the spirit of the ensemble and solo work so joyfully recorded. Do yourself a favor and listen; you will be just as gladdened as I am to hear a "new voice" in the big band genre.

I guess brother, Gap, to more famous Chuck Mangione, didn't get as much recognition as Chuck. None of his albums on CDNOW.COM have been reviewed. But I mean, none of his albums were that fantastic anyway. Check Out his 1979 A&M release, Dancin' Is MAkin' Love, its horrendous. I don't even think its jazz at all. Just some old jazz pianist trying to emulate some of the disco artists who were popluar at the time. But this is a rather good album. Not because of the appearence of pianist Gap Mangione, but because it is straight ahead. I like contemporary more, but when ever Gap tried to play contemporary, it didn't sound good! At least here, back to his roots, he can't go wrong? !