Nice N' Juicy

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 00:53:35
Personnel: Dan McMillion (trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone); David Moss (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Matthew Gawlik (baritone saxophone); Chad Shoopman, Elton Reyes, Matt McCarthy, John "4 Daddman" Robinson (trumpet, flugelhorn); Chris Clifton, Keith Oshiro, Chris Clifton (trombone); Chris Lundquist, Christie Lundquist (bass trombone); Richard Drexler (piano, keyboards); Glen Bush, Glenn "Gigga" Bush (drums). Recording information: Morrisound Studio, Tampa, FL. Arrangers: Denis DiBlasio; Dan Weaver; Wayne Beardwood; Peter Myers; Shorty Rogers; Willie Maiden. Dan McMillion is a high-note trumpet specialist in the manner of the late Maynard Ferguson, though because his jazz orchestra is based in Florida, he hasn't had much national exposure. Some of the repertoire of this CD seems like a throwback to Ferguson's fusion era in the 1970s, when he delved heavily into pop songs that proved to be pretty forgettable in a jazz setting. "MacArthur Park" may have been a huge hit for Ferguson and his high-note theatrics (thankfully its insipid lyrics were omitted), but in McMillion's hands, it simply sounds very dated, as do the forgettable treatments of Michael Jackson's pop smash "Thriller" (penned by Quincy Jones) and the Beatles' annoying, monotonous "Hey Jude." The frequent use of Fender Rhodes adds to the sameness of these charts. McMillion's band is far more impressive when sticking to standards and time-tested jazz compositions, including a sassy setting of "Lush Life," which features the leader on muted horn and pianist Richard Drexler, and the fiery "Love for Sale," which showcases drummer Glen Bush, alto saxophonist David Moss, and trumpeter John Robinson. A nice surprise is the inclusion of Shorty Rogers' peppy "Blues Express," in which the leader doubles on valve trombone as well. This isn't a bad CD, but trying to combine bland pop songs with straight-ahead jazz on the same release can be a recipe for disaster. ~ Ken Dryden