Monday, July 18, 2011

Bob Mintzer: Spectrum (1988)

With an all-star lineup of 19 musicians including Randy Brecker, Bob Malach, Peter Erskine, Lincoln Gaines, Dave Bargeron and Don Grolnick put together by Bob Mintzer for 1988's "Spectrum", this 65-minute workout of pure enjoyment is absolutely big-band jazz at its finest.
The exceptional music arranged by Mintzer from start to finish includes 10 Mintzer originals as out of the total of 12 compositions on the CD, (7) are Big Band, (3) are quintet, (1) is quartet and (1) is solo saxophone.
The songs here flow with more adventure and flair than in comparison with other same period Mintzer Big Band efforts such as the 1986 "Camaouflage" which was overall more conservative and the 1991 "The Art Of The Big Band" which was somewhat less adventurous with safer material than "Spectrum" though both of those recordings were great sounding technically and very much had their own fine moments throughout.
The use of the ensemble at hand in a diverse and complete way by Mintzer presents a wide scope of styles and colors throughout for the listener to really appreciate this piece of work fully. Absolutely recommended.
Tracklist:
1. Like a Child
2. Spectrum
3. My Romance
4. Hanky Panky
5. Mr. Funk
6. Mine Is Yours
7. Frankie's Tune
8. Reunion
9. Heart of the Matter
10. I Hear a Rhapsody
11. Solo Saxophone
12. Cowboys and Indians
Spectrum
Hotfile / Depositfiles @ 320K