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| Bob Mintzer Quartet: ’In the Moment’ In the Moment was digitally recorded by Mick Guzauski (Eric Clapton, Yellowjackets, Earth Wind and Fire) and Neil Dorfsman (Paul McCartney, Dire Straits, Sting) and mixed by Hal Winer in 24-bit/96kHz at BiCoastal Music in Ossining, New York on December 16, 2004. Bob is joined by the current rhythm section for his big band, which includes Jay Anderson on bass, Phil Markowitz on piano and John Riley on drums. Six of the nine songs featured on In the Moment were composed by Mintzer. The album also features two standards, "Listen Here, " by Eddie Harris and "Time After Time, " by Styne & Cahn. "Forgiveness, " written by Phil Markowitz, concludes the album. One of the key elements that contributed to the successful execution of the music the Quartet recorded was the arrangements. Each arrangement was crafted in such a way that there was a sense of composition to each tune without having the writing being too cumbersome. Bob made sure to leave lots of room for each individual's interpretation of the music. With players like these you want to provide a setting where they are able to do their own thing freely. There is a balancing act between establishing form and guidelines and allowing the room for individual expression within the arrangements. Arranger and saxophonist Bob Mintzer has made his mark merging a traditional Jazz approach with an all encompassing modernism that embraces lyricism, a strong sense of swing and arrangements that take the listener on an unpredictable and vibrant journey. He has maintained a New-York-based big band since the early eighties, leads a jazz quartet, is a 15-year member of the Yellowjackets, is active in music education and manages to find time to write saxophone quartets, symphony music, big band arrangements, music for the Yellowjackets and several etude books. Bob honed his skills playing and writing for Buddy Rich, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Art Blakey, Sam Jones, Jaco Pastorius, The GRP Big Band, Mike Mainieri, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri and the New York Philharmonic. He has also done session work for James Taylor, Queen, Steve Winwood, Aretha Franklin and countless others. Homage to Count Basie won a Grammy in 2002 for best large jazz ensemble recording. This was Bob's fifth nomination. Bob's big band arrangements have become standard repertoire for big bands all over the world. His signature writing style is easily recognizable and can be heard on Jazz radio, in university settings, high schools and Jazz venues. Following Bob's 23 year (12 CDs) stint with Digital Music Products (DMP Records) the Big Band now resides at MCG Jazz. The Bob Mintzer Quartet's In the Moment recording for Art of Life Records is the first small band recording Bob has done in six years. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |