Search - Bob Mintzer :: Swing Out

Mintzer's Wake Up Call

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 08/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As this ablum commences, I hear some riffs akin to Maria Schneider's own big band (track 5, Beyond the Limit, does have her feel with the arrangement of staccato chordal brass...albeit without the slight dissonance) but quickly Bob Mintzer's own writing emerges, and it is filled with energy and movement and some solid perfomances. This band has four trombones and three trumpets, six saxophones, piano, bass, and drums. It is a big brassy sound. Track listings cite soloists; Mintzer's own tenor saxophone, of course, in the main. It is all up tempo, except for track 6, Minuano, which was composed by Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny with Kurt Elling's lyrics. We hear a layering of tempos, and the piece is absolutely splendid. Elling sings here, and Mintzer and Phil Markowtiz, piano, solo. Even the last track, Someday My Prince Will Come, which is normally a classic slow ballad, is arranged, or deconstructed in bop fashion, and pulses. There are comparatively few truly big bands left in jazz...nonents are the typical group maximum...hence, when we hear Mintzer's band sing out in full, we rejoice. Forget the coffee: play this album when you need to be stimulated in the morning. You will be up and about in good spirits."

Best so far.

Action | Sydney Au. | 07/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have all Bob Mintzers big band albums and for me this is the best one so far. It seems to be the culmination of his work and has a My Shining Hour feel to it. Not that the others should be ignored but every track on Swing Out is a standout.



The recording quality beats the other early DMP releases so you can hear all the intricate lines of the band under the themes and solos. Every player deserves accolades, yes there are some very minor clams but they seem to add to the performances and make you feel involved as you listen.



IMO the sax line under Minuano helps the vocal make the cut, it's great.



Great stuff, I can imagine there's a line around the block outside the studio of new players waiting to get in. I hope Bob's band keeps going in this direction and I look forward to the next one.



Edit Nov 12. Now got a 2nd copy for the car, been known to pull over just to listen to it :)"