City Newspaper Archives - 3/2007
Bob Mintzer Quartet "In the Moment"
Art of Life Records
Published by Ron Netsky on Mar 07, 2007
Reedman Bob Mintzer is best known for two things: his work with big bands and his membership in top smooth jazz group, the Yellowjackets. That's why his latest CD is such a surprise. In the Moment is a quartet album filled with music that's, as the title of the first tune suggests, "Straight Ahead." Mintzer's considerable skills as a composer are on display, from the slinky "Simple Song" to the catchy, Latin-flavored "Play Pretty." He also takes the opportunity to bring out his bass clarinet for some earthy solos on "What's the Word" and "Blues." When he departs from his own songs, Mintzer makes a wise choice in revisiting Eddie Harris's funk classic, "Listen Here." Pianist Phil Markowitz contributes a beautiful ballad, "Forgiveness," that features some of his, and Mintzer's, most soulful playing along with gorgeous percussion by John Riley.
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