EVEN CANADIANS GET THE BLUES
Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass tackle a mostly blues-oriented program for these 1996 sessions, with five originals by the leader, in addition to tunes by others. "Even Canadians Get the Blues" is a lively shout-type tune in the mold of Woody Herman's big band showcasing trumpeter Steve McDade and tenor saxophonist Alex Dean. While "The Clarinet Is Black and Blue" isn't technically a blues, it has a bluesy air, with Moe Koffman's melancholy clarinet backed by the lush ensembles, which often include a choir of four additional clarinets. Boss Brass alum Ian McDougall contributed the breezy blues "Do You Mean It?," which puts the spotlight on pianist Dave Restivo, flügelhornist John McLeod, and alto saxophonist John Johnson. The upbeat "The Shuffle Boogie Swamp Groove Blue" adds guest Doug Riley on organ, while the date closes with a brief, lush rendition of the Canadian National Anthem, "O Canada." McConnell's liner notes are often amusing, as is his cover photo pose as a drunken Canadian Mountie passed out draped over a piano.
AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden
Guido Basso Flugelhorn, Guest Artist, Trumpet
Ed Bickert Guest Artist, Guitar
John Burk Executive Producer
Arnie Chycoski Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Alex Dean Clarinet, Flute, Guest Artist, Sax (Tenor)
John Johnson Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)
Alastair Kay Trombone
Moe Koffman Clarinet, Flute, Guest Artist, Piccolo, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)
Bob Leonard Clarinet, Clarinet (Bass), Flute, Sax (Baritone)
Bob Livingston Trombone
James MacDonald French Horn
Rob McConnell Arranger, Composer, Primary Artist, Producer, Trombone, Trombone (Valve)
Steve McDade Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Rob McDonnell Performer, Primary Artist
John B. McLeod Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Ernie Pattison Trombone, Trombone (Bass)
Gary Pattison French Horn
Dave Restivo Piano
Kevin Turcotte Flugelhorn, Trumpet
Jim Vivian Bass
Ted Warren Drums
Rick Wilkins Arranger, Clarinet, Composer, Sax (Tenor)
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