“Convergence – Reckless Meter: Six Masters of Modern Jazz Playing as One”

 

This month's review is on a new CD released by the modern jazz ensemble Convergence, and it's a winner! Convergence has been entertaining jazz fans in Colorado for more than 30 years. If you’ve never heard this band play before, you are in for a real treat.

This band features six very seasoned, highly professional musicians who, in addition to being top-level players, are also outstanding jazz composers. They write modern jazz songs that are beautiful and easily accessible even to the novice jazz listener. There is a strong sense of melody and structure in their writing, but plenty of room for creative exploration and improvisation.

My first impression when I played the songs on this CD was that this group of six musicians performs like they are all from the same family. The musical communication between them is effortless. Even though Convergence takes a fearless approach to improvisation, they remain tightly connected in the music they create. That level of cohesion only comes from years of playing together and trusting one another musically.

Pianist Eric Gunnison sums up the spirit of the group perfectly: "This band has always been about connection, with each other, with the audience, and with the music itself. Convergence is more than a name; it's how we approach everything we do musically."

And you can hear that connection throughout "Reckless Meter". The band blends sophisticated writing with energetic solo work and the kind of ensemble precision that only comes from decades of shared experience.

I have attached two cuts from "Reckless Meter". The first song, “Big Boot,” is also the opening track on the album. It's upbeat, with sassy horns and killer solos. The rhythm section locks in immediately, while the horn section delivers the melody with punch and personality. It's the perfect introduction to get to know this outstanding band.

The second song I picked is the final track on the playlist and the title tune, “Reckless Meter.” This piece combines everything that is musically cool about Convergence into a single performance. The arrangement moves through shifting rhythmic ideas while the band maintains that tight ensemble sound that defines their music. It's a strong closing statement and leaves you wanting to go back and hear the entire album again.

For listeners who enjoy modern jazz that balances creativity with strong melodic ideas and masterful musicianship, "Reckless Meter" is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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Playlist

1. Big Boot – 6:19

2. Springaling – 8:00

3. Margaret Clara – 6:17

4. It’s One Or Not One – 6:14

5. Master Jake – 6:38

6. Cauldron – 10:59

7. Coyote Moon – 6:48

8. Reckless Meter – 9:21

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Personnel

• Eric Gunnison – piano

• Greg Gisbert – trumpet, flugelhorn

• John Gunther – saxophones

• Mark Patterson – trombone

• Mark Simon – bass

• Paul Romaine – drums

                                                                            "Big Boot"

                                                                    "Reckless Meter"

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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