The Manchester Craftsman's Guild in Pittsburgh offers another rousing live concert date in this varied program led by the eclectic saxophonist who is best known as one of the Yellowjackets -- but whose early résumé also boasts everyone from Tito Puente to Thad Jones and the Mel Lewis Big Band. A dash here and a dollop there of each of these influences make this a varied date whose appeal extends beyond big-band fans and embraces those who love bebop, a touch of the avant-garde, the progressive spirit of the Yellowjackets (most notably Russell Ferrante, who contributes stunning percussive solos on pieces like the crazed, polyrhythmic "Mofongo"), and the great contemporary vocalist Kurt Elling. The singer shows a softly romantic and emotional side in extracting every heartfelt word on "My One and Only Love," but engages even more with his lively roller coaster phrasing over the bold and booming arrangement of John Coltrane's "Resolution." Later original Mintzer highlights include the percussive blues-driven playfulness of "March Majestic," the classic swinging of "Black Sand," and the mix of funk beats and swirling horn arrangements on "Go-Go."
AllMusic Review by Jonathan Widran
Jimmy Haslip Additional Personnel, Bass (Electric), Guest Artist
Marcus Baylor Additional Personnel, Drums, Guest Artist
Kurt Elling Additional Personnel, Guest Artist, Liner Notes, Primary Artist, Soloist, Vocals
Russell Ferrante Additional Personnel, Guest Artist, Piano, Soloist, Synthesizer
Bob Mintzer Arranger, Composer, EWI, Flute, Liner Notes, Member of Attributed Artist, Primary Artist, Sax (Tenor), Soloist
Jay Anderson Bass, Bass Instrument, Member of Attributed Artist
Scott Robinson Clarinet, Member of Attributed Artist, Sax (Baritone)
Bob Malach Clarinet, Member of Attributed Artist, Sax (Tenor), Soloist
John Riley Drums, Member of Attributed Artist
Jay Dudt Editing, Engineer, Mixing
Scott Wendholt Flugelhorn, Member of Attributed Artist, Soloist, Trumpet
Lawrence Feldman Flute, Member of Attributed Artist, Sax (Alto)
Pete Yellin Flute, Member of Attributed Artist, Sax (Alto)
Jim Manly Layout Design
Phil Markowitz Member of Attributed Artist, Piano, Soloist
Larry Farrell Member of Attributed Artist, Soloist, Trombone
Jason Jackson Member of Attributed Artist, Soloist, Trombone
Terell Stafford Member of Attributed Artist, Soloist, Trumpet
David Taylor Member of Attributed Artist, Trombone (Bass)
Michael Davis Member of Attributed Artist, Trombone
Frank Greene Member of Attributed Artist, Trumpet
Bob Millikan Member of Attributed Artist, Trumpet
Robert Bowman Photography
Bob Mintzer Big Band Primary Artist
David Earl Taylor Trombone (Bass)
Michael Davis Trombone
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