Uniquely exciting vocal big band blend Bob Mintzer Big Band/New York Voices – MEETING OF MINDS: It’s not been all that long since I reviewed Bob’s last CD in issue # 163, a most exciting aural adventure… this new one, however, features uniquely crafted blends using the talents of another of my favorite groups, “New York Voices“… though it’s a bit dated (2014), you can watch them perform their magic together in the video below…
…as you saw and heard, their music is timeless… “thrilling” is the word that best describes their high-energy performances together.
Ah, well.. back to the new album… first-off, it’s scheduled to release on June 22nd, 2018, so you won’t find samples posted anywhere yet (though there is a pre-sale link up on the MCG Jazz label page for the album)… of course, I’ll come back and add the sample links in as soon as I’m notified that the album is “hot”.
I can guarantee you that big-band lovers ’round the planet will love high-energy songs like “Weird Blues”, though… highly-charged with energy and Bob’s exceptional arrangements, this is the kind of song that will be making dedicated jazz fans hit “replay” often… in fact, I believe this song will be recommended for awards (& WIN).
“Speak Low” is definitely my personal favorite of the ten excellent jazz pieces offered up… Kurt Weill’s composition is dynamic enough of a tune in/of itself, but New York Voices make Ogden Nash’s lyrics for the song come alive right there in your living room! One of the most impressive jazz performances I’ve heard (yet) in 2018.
I give Bob, New York Voices & each of the players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this high-class release. Get more information on the aforementioned MCG Jazz website. Rotcod Zzaj
