CD Review: Pete McGuinness, "Mixed Bag"

 

Trombonist, vocalist, professor, and composer Pete McGuinness has recently released his band’s fourth CD, Mixed Bag. From the very first track, the album lives up to its name — offering a vibrant and eclectic collection of big band jazz that is both rooted in tradition and bursting with originality. McGuinness, long respected as a multifaceted musician, delivers a standout project that showcases his masterful ability to breathe new life into the large ensemble format.

The arrangements throughout the album are a highlight, brimming with creative textures, surprising turns, and a fresh sense of swing. McGuinness’s vision as a composer and arranger is unmistakable — he balances sophistication with accessibility, crafting charts that challenge the ear while remaining deeply musical and emotionally resonant.

A professor of jazz arranging at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, McGuinness brings decades of experience to this recording. He has performed with jazz legends such as Maria Schneider, Woody Herman, Jimmy Heath, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and John Fedchock. Mixed Bag reflects that depth of experience, exploring a wide range of styles and genres that contemporary jazz artists often traverse.

The ensemble — made up of seasoned New York City musicians and longtime colleagues of McGuinness — plays with sensitivity, power, and cohesion. Their chemistry is evident throughout the record. McGuinness not only leads the band with clarity but also contributes tasteful jazz vocals and expertly crafted arrangements that both honor tradition and push it forward.

Mixed Bag is a beautifully conceived and executed big band album — a blend of familiar sonorities with fresh ideas. The music is thoughtful yet swinging, complex yet highly listenable — a true testament to McGuinness’s artistry.

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PLAYERS:

Band Leader / Arranger / Vocalist

• Pete McGuinness – trombone, arranger, composer, vocals

Saxophones & Woodwinds

• Dave Pietro – alto saxophone

• Mark Phaneuf – alto saxophone

• Tom Christensen – tenor saxophone

• Rob Middleton – tenor saxophone

• Dave Riekenberg – baritone saxophone

Trumpets & Flugelhorns

• Jon Owens

• Tony Kadleck

• Bud Burridge

• Chris Rogers

Trombones

• Bruce Eidem

• Mark Patterson

• Matt Haviland

• Jeff Nelson

Rhythm Section

• Mike Holober – piano

• Bill Charlap – piano

• Mark Wade – bass

• Scott Neumann – drums

• Pete McCann – guitar (tracks 5 & 7)

Strings & Additional Instruments

• Violins: Hiroko Taguchi, Whitney LaGrange, Annaliesa Place, Caleb Burhans

• Violas: Todd Low, Angela Pickett

• Cellos: Melissa Westgate, Alon Bisk

• French horn: Chris Komer

• Flute: Steve Kenyon

PLAYLIST:

1. From This Moment On

2. Rebecca

3. The Dark Hours

4. Lilac Blues

5. Down the Rabbit Hole

6. Body and Soul

7. So in Love

8. Django

9. ’Round Midnight

10. The Sly Fox (In Memory of Bill Holman)

11. Where Do You Start?

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