Frank Mantooth Albums (6)
'Ladies Sing for Lovers'
Release Date 6/28/2005
Tracks 12
Label MCG Jazz
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What The Critics Say
The late Frank Mantooth was best known for his swinging big-band arrangements. For what would be his final major project, Mantooth arranged a dozen love songs for a string orchestra, featuring 12 talented female jazz singers on a tune apiece. The results are rather light on jazz with just occasional brief solos, usually from saxophonist Kim Park, and not much improvising from the singers. The vocalists generally stick close to the melodies while the strings and horns play unadventurous parts. Due to the quality of the singers, some of the performances are touching, particularly Karrin Allyson on "If You Could See Me Now," Margaret Carlson on "Good Morning Heartache," and Rebecca Parris during "Imagination," while Diane Schuur's wide range and powerful voice rather overwhelm "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)." But overall, this ambitious outing is much safer than expected and a slight disappointment. Considering the singers, Mantooth's abilities, and the excellent musicians, one would expect more surprises and adventure. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
An excellent big-band album from Frank Mantooth that gets off to a stirring start with a Diane Schuur/Kevin Mahogany duet. There's more scatting than words on this cut, which Mahogany is clearly much more comfortable with than Schuur. Mantooth uses three sets of musicians in differing combinations, but they all work well together. To say that Mantooth is influenced by Stan Kenton is an understatement -- Mantooth's timing, tempos, dynamics, disciplined ensemble work, and arrangements (which sometimes slip into a quasi-symphonic mode) vividly recall Kenton at his very best. Also, like Kenton, the band features outstanding solo work. Kirk Garrison's Maynard Ferguson-like trumpet takes the lead on "Guarujá" and Bobby Shew's horn follows suit on Henry Mancini's "Dreamsville." "Beyond the Sea" has forceful musical statements by Art Davis on trumpet, Pat LaBarbera on tenor, and Paul McKee on trombone. "Thou Swell," done with a taste of Latin beat, is the solo vehicle for veteran tenor player Pete Christlieb, where he shares the stage with Bobby Shew. "Limehouse Blues" opens with a long guitar solo by Danny Embrey before segueing into a rousing rendition of this longtime barn burner. Unlike his previous albums, Mantooth provides more space for vocalists. In addition to their duet on the first cut, Schuur solos on "One for Monterey," and Mahogany solos on "Three Little Words" and "I'll Never Stop Loving You." (On the latter, Mahogany strays off-key from time to time.) "Three Little Words" is not the 1930 pop hit by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby but Mahogany's own composition. This mixture produces a nice balance between more subdued vocal numbers and the rip-roaring arrangements featuring instrumental solos. Sea Breeze Records, one of the more active labels producing big-band albums, has a winner with Mantooth's A Miracle. The picture of the cherubic young boy on the album cover is a pleasant departure from the rather grotesque covers that have graced Mantooth's previous albums. ~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
'Sophisticated Lady'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 10
Label Sea Breeze
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What The Critics Say
A blast off from Bobby Shew's trumpet in the first few measures of Paul McKee's "The Messenger," the first cut on this album, sets the stage for over 70 minutes of sometimes rip-roaring, other times mellow, but always dynamic big-band music in a modern vein. Of the ten tracks, seven are composed and/or arranged by Mantooth. "The Messenger," presenting Shew's high-register trumpet solo along with Pat LaBarbera's soprano saxophone, is one of the album's highlights. Shew is also the soloist on the Harry "Sweets" Edison and Jon Hendricks-penned "Centerpiece," one of the three tracks in this set to feature Kevin Mahogany on vocals. He does some serious scatting on this piece, and he's also present on "One for My Baby" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." Another special attraction is Tom Matta's haunting bass trombone solo on "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," with Marvin Stamm's staccato trumpet cleaning up at the end of the tune. Master baritone sax player Nick Brignola showcases "Sophisticated Lady," which is done with a bossa nova flavor. Pete Christlieb's tenor sax joins Mahogany on the ultimate saloon song "One for My Baby." There's also a muted trumpet playing behind Mahogany which, regrettably, isn't identified. Ending on a hopeful and poignant note with "We'll Be Together Again," once more featuring a soulful Christlieb tenor, Mantooth has put together an album of superb big-band charts played by outstanding instrumentalists. Since this albums brings together recordings made at different sessions, McKee's "The Messenger" appears twice on the album. The only downside is the weird picture on the cover: a piece of work called "Wanda" who is not a "Sophisticated Lady." ~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
'Dangerous Precedent'
Release Date 1/1/1993
Tracks 10
Label Sea Breeze
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