2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Triumph, November 11, 2008
This review is from: Pourquoi Pas Why Not (Audio CD)
George Gruntz and his Concert Jazz Band have an impressive number of albums out by now, all of them musically adventurous as well as hard-swinging in the best big band tradition. This new album is no exception, from the two versions of "Pourquoi Pas?" which feature Chris Hunter's amazing flute playing, to the original and good-humored treatment of "Struttin' with some Barbecue," which features a great solo by trombonist Rene Mosele and a lyrical, relaxed, swinging trumpet solo by Marvin Stamm. As Gruntz himself says, "This is a band of soloists." When he turns them loose, as he always does, they pull out all the stops. And then there's his writing and composing--wonderful, joyful, thoughtful, original. Too bad I can give it only five stars--it's off the charts. Check out all earlier albums as well--one you don't find listed under his name is the "Big Band Record," which is listed under Ray Anderson and features his compositions, but for which Gruntz did all the charts. It's basically the Concert Jazz Band featuring Ray Anderson, another phenomenal player. The charts are great, and the personnel on the album are the top of the New York jazz list.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
