Customer Reviews

Two Originals: Brass My Soul & Tribute

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Any short list of the best big bands of the last 25 years would have to include Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass. The band has made many superb records over that time, but the two made for for the German MPS label in 1979-80, are, in my opinion, the Best of the Boss Brass. If you've never heard this band this is the place to start. The band really reaches its peak on these recordings. This CD reissues all of "Brass My Soul" and 4 tracks of "Tribute." Everything about this CD is superb. McConnell's arrangements are mainstream-modern big band jazz, very listenable but with enough unexpected twists to keep everyone on their toes. The Opening "You Took Advantage of Me" will lift you right out of your chair! The recorded sound is magificent and the ensemble playing is just breath-taking. The diverse soloists include trumpeters Sam Noto and Guido Basso, trombonists McConnell, Ian McDougall and Bob Livingstone, reedmen Moe Koffman, Jerry Toth, Eugene Amaro, and guitarist Ed Bickert (who may be the best of a outstanding group). Special mention has to be made of bassist Don Thompson and drummer Terry Clarke, who make up a superb rhythm team and keep the music moving at all times with the right combination of power, taste, and swing. Trumpeter Arnie Chycoski gives a clinic in the art of lead playing. I just can't say enough about this CD. Every track is a gem. This is as good as it gets.

Even though this album has been around for over 20 years, there is no better jazz album that I have listened to. This is a great album, with an all-star cast of players. I never knew that Moe Koffman was as great on sax as he was on the flute.
For anyone who likes jazz, this is a must-have album.

I have been fortunate to play all of these tunes at one time or another as both a trumpet and bass player. Rob's arragements are superb and are possibly the best in the genre right now. The CD features the band's greatest work. The arrangements are hot, the band is ultra-tight, solos are materful, and the recordings are awesome. This album is where you should look to sample what a big band should sound like. BRAVO!

You can't do much better than this collection of two great projects by Mr. McConnell and his band. Some of these tunes are absolute classics! My personal favorites are "Twist Of The Wrist" and "The Waltz I Blew For You". Just outstanding writing, played by one of the most spectacular and energetic bands out there. If you only pick up one McConnell CD in this lifetime, make this the one!

Yes, I agree, it's fantastic---but the question is, where can I get a copy of it without spending, like, eighty bucks?

Aha. Details.

Rob's arrangments/writing are beautiful, his band is hot, and the solos have amazing musicality and lyricism. This particular album (it's actually two) was one I grew up listening to and is still my favorite Boss Brass stuff to this day.