'Music of the Twenties'
What The Critics Say
Although the 11 songs on this CD (with the exception of a very brief tribute to Miles Davis on "Summertime," which is the second half of a medley) were written in the 1920s, the arrangements are very much in the style of Rob McConnell, who wrote all but one chart. The music is conservative yet swinging and unpredictable. "Lover Come Back to Me" is particularly eccentric with its many tempo and mood changes, but in reality none of these performances are run-of-the-mill or overly safe. Rob McConnell drew the group's personnel from his Boss Brass and each of the musicians has his chance to shine. In fact, all ten musicians get a spot on "Thou Swell" in addition to other features. Since the tentet consists of some of the finest jazz players in Canada and the arrangements are inspiring, this is a highly recommended straight-ahead jazz set. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Live with the Boss'
'Rob McConnell Tentet'
'Big Band Christmas'
What The Critics Say
Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass add plenty of spice to this Christmas jazz CD, not only with superb, fresh charts but a few surprising selections. The rich brass and reeds carry the deliberate rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which segues into a perky Latin-flavored chart of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." "Away in a Manger" is not the commonly heard melody but one first written in 1887, though the music will likely be familiar, even if one doesn't associate it with the well-known lyrics. The lush setting of "The Christmas Song," which likely set Mel Tormé and Bob Wells for life with royalty checks due to its many recordings, showcases the leader's valve trombone and pianist David Restivo. "My Favorite Things," originally written for The Sound of Music, has gradually been transformed into double duty as a Christmas carol; this swinging interpretation works very well. Johnny Mandel, the composer of many memorable melodies, deserves greater recognition for his gorgeous piece "A Christmas Love Song"; this arrangement deserved to help put it on the jazz map. Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass consistently delivered first-rate music throughout their existence, this holiday CD no exception. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Play the Jazz Classics'
What The Critics Say
One of the final recordings by Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass for Concord, this pair of sessions focuses on favorite standards and timeless jazz compositions, with most of the arrangements by the leader, a fine valve trombonist to boot. Among the standards is a lively, typically Latin-flavored setting of "Invitation" and a lush treatment of "Autumn in New York" showcasing altoist John Johnson. The remainder of the disc focuses on works by jazz composers. McConnell shines in the gently swinging take of Dave Brubeck's "The Duke," while Horace Silver's "Peace" and Blue Mitchell's "Blue Silver" make up an intriguing medley. Guitarist Ed Bickert and tenorist Rick Wilkins are featured in a richly textured chart of "Pensativa," which was arranged by Wilkins. The dramatic setting of Billy Strayhorn's "Day Dream" contrasts with the playful take of Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," with the latter song briefly detouring into Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You." The recording wraps with a thoughtful salute to Count Basie by playing a deliberate rendition of Neal Hefti's "Li'l Darlin'," which became a signature tune for Basie not long after it was released. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Three for the Road'
What The Critics Say
Three of Canada's eminent musicians have gotten together for an album presenting what they call "good old tunes" to praise this music and some of the great jazz masters of the not too ancient past who played it. Rob McConnell is best known as the founder (1968), leader, and arranger for the big-band aggregation Boss Brass. This album documents his considerable skills with a valve trombone as he partners with guitarist Ed Bickert and pianist/bass player Don Thompson for over an hour of assured and confident music making. These three are no strangers to each other with the result that the music they produce is like putting on a pair of favorite slippers. And listening to this album has the same salubrious outcome, utter relaxation with the easing away of the cares and tensions of the day. It will be difficult to find a performance that is more soothing than this trio's rendition of the songs they have selected for the play list. McConnell is in control on "A Sleepin' Bee," dedicated to another practitioner of the relaxed approach to jazz, piano player Jimmy Rowles. He also carries the melody on "I'm Thru With Love" with 12 bars of "Seems Like Old Times" at the end of the tune. Bickert's quiet guitar is always in the background as he comps away in support of McConnell. He is rewarded with significant solo space on "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "Dream Dancing," among others. Thompson stays with the bass for most of the cuts, moving to piano on the Henry Mancini medley. Tribute is accorded composer David Rose as the trio undertakes a blissful rendering of his "Our Waltz," making this track one of the highlights of the album. Bickert turns off the power for this one as he picks up the acoustic guitar. The closest the group comes to up-tempo, and it's not very close, is on "I Didn't Know Enough About You" in remembering Peggy Lee and guitar player husband Dave Barbour who wrote this song. For more than ten minutes the trio gently dismantles it and then puts it back together. The remaining cuts are equally as enjoyable. Three for the Road is about as tasteful as any jazz album can get and is recommended without reservation. ~ Dave Nathan, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Rob McConnell's Boss Brass began as a big band comprised of trumpets, trombones, French horns, and an expanded rhythm section that played commercial music for Canadian radio transcriptions. In 1972, arranger/valve trombonist McConnell added a sax section for the first time, and with this 1976 set (originally released by the Canadian Attic label), he finally began to use the orchestra for jazz charts. McConnell and his 22-piece orchestra perform three of his originals, plus "Portrait of Jenny" (a feature for flugelhornist Guido Basso) and "Body and Soul," which showcases guitarist Ed Bickert. Among the other key players are trumpeter Sam Noto and tenorman Eugene Amaro. Excellent big band music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
