Bob Mintzer Big Band
“Swing Out”
www.bobmintzer.comBob Mintzer (Yellowjackets) has been a major musical force and presence in, not just the NYC scene, but around the world.  His writing is creative and his playing is always of the highest caliber.  This release is no different.  Admittedly, Big Band music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the music here is top notch.  I love Mintzer’s arrangements.  Definitely the master at work here.  This band is playing as one, 16 guys making one big wonderful sound (I’m also a big fan of drummer, John Riley (tell your drummer friends to check out his book, “The Art of Bob Drumming”.  GREAT study in swing and independence …  I experiment with it on bass, as well).

The band is swinging hard and, although it’s not that “out”, it is a wonderful showing by one of the best tenor players and writers out there (and my favorite bass clarinetist!) working with a collection of top-tiere jazz musicians coming together to make very solid and hard-swinging album!