BOB MINTZER - ART OF THE BIG BAND

BRAZILIAN AFFAIR 

This big-band date by Bob Mintzer from the early '90s utilizes some of the Big Apple's top available musicians of the era, including trumpeters Marvin Stamm and Randy Brecker, saxophonists Scott Robinson and Roger Rosenberg (both of whom double on clarinet), and pianist Phil Markowitz. Mintzer has moved freely between contemporary and mainstream jazz depending on the record date and personnel, but on this DMP release he incorporates a bit from each style. At times that's a problem, because straight-ahead fans will find the smooth jazz-like rhythm section in the standard "Without a Song" rather lame compared to the writing for the brass and reeds. Fortunately, when electric bassist Lincoln Goines is replaced by acoustic bassist Michael Formanek, as in "Christopher Columbus" (where Robinson swings like mad on tenor) and Mintzer's inventive chart of "Easy Living," all is well. The originals are a mixed bag, with the dynamic "Art of the Big Band" and the tricky "Weird Blues" being especially noteworthy.


Artist Credit
Bob Millikan Arranger, Flugelhorn, Liner Notes, Producer, Saxophone, Trumpet
Troy Halderson Assistant Engineer
Michael Formanek Bass (Acoustic)
Lincoln Goines Bass (Electric)
Scott Robinson Clarinet, Saxophone
Roger Rosenberg Clarinet, Saxophone
Bob Mintzer Composer, Liner Notes, Primary Artist, Producer, Saxophone
Frank Malabé Congas
Peter Erskine Drums
John Riley Drums
Randy Brecker Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Laurie Frink Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Marvin Stamm Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Lawrence Feldman Flute, Saxophone
Pete Yellin Flute, Saxophone
Chuck Loeb Guitar
Phil Markowitz Piano
Matt Finders Trombone (Bass)
David Taylor Trombone (Bass)
Dave Bargeron Trombone
Michael Davis Trombone
Keith O'Quinn Trombone