Bob Mintzer Big Band: The Art of the Big Band (1991)

Some Bob Mintzer fans may disagree with me but even though the Big Band ensemble here includes superb sidemen, an excellent technical recording/sound quality and an interesting rendition of Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade" as well as some other very fine moments throughout especially on the festive "Brazilian Affair", the great Big Band workout on "Christopher Columbus", the smooth "Easy Living" and the jumpin' title track, the overall CD lacks a touch of adventure making the overall feel a bit stiffer with "safer" material than you would want to hear in order to make 1991's "The Art Of The Big Band" worthy of a "classic" 5-Star rating. 1988's "Spectrum", is 5-Star Mintzer Big Band at its best from top to bottom. That is more like it with a bit more adventure to spice it up to substantiate continued enjoyable interest even more over and over. Still however, "The Art Of The Big Band" is absolutely worth having in your collection.

Tracklist:
1. Without A Song 
2. Brazilian Affair 
3. Christopher Columbus 
4. Easy Living 
5. Art Of The Big Band 
6. Moonlight Serenade 
7. Elvin's Mambo 
8. Weird Blues 
9. Paul's Call 
10. But Not For Me

Personnel:
Trupmets: Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Laurie Frink, Bob Millikan
Trombones: Dave Bargeron, Keith O'Quinn, Mike Davis, Dave Taylor (Matt Finders (2,3,8,9)
Woodwinds: Bob Mintzer, Peter Yellin, Lawrence Feldman, Scott Robinson, Roger Rosenberg
Rhythm: Phil Markowitz (piano), Lincoln Goines (electric bass), Michael Formanek (acoustic bass), Peter Erskine (drums), John Riley (drums; 5,9,10), Frankie Malabe (congas), Chuck Loeb (guitar)

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