Michael Treni Big Band, The: Boy's Night Out

Michael Treni is a jazz musician who has been around for quite a few years. After attending the universities of Berklee and Miami Treni worked with his fellow classmate Pat Metheny. Treni eventually left music in the late '80s and launched a successful business career. He returned about nine years ago to the genre he loves, jazz. Boy's Night Out is his fourth release since his return. Treni's specialty is the trombone and he is as gifted a player as you are likely to hear on the instrument. On his latest, Treni has recruited a massive orchestra, all extremely accomplished and talented musicians. This is big band music at its finest making this a very fulfilling listen. Whether writing his own songs or reworking some of the classics, Treni and his band are a force to be reckoned with.

The first track "Something's Coming", taken from the classic Bernstein musical West Side Story retains the original's sunny disposition and uplifting melody. The trumpet and sax solos provide some interesting highlights and the entire band, sixteen members in all, put the pieces into place with absolute precision. Whether the band is ripping up the soundscape with stunning solos, like the outstanding soprano sax of Sal Spicola in the title track, or performing more subtle arrangements, the sprinkling of piano in the excellent "Strayhorn" comes to mind, this band is running on all cylinders.

Other highlights include some sultry sax work in the George Shearing standard "Lullaby Of Birdland" and the Latin style ballad "In My Quiet Time" featuring the outstanding flute of Ken Hitchcock and a great bass solo by Takashi Otsuka.

I could go on but will stop here. If you are a fan of big band music this is an easy decision. Buy Boy's Night Out as soon as you can.

Track Listing:
1. Something's Coming (8:02)
2. Boy's Night Out (6:59)
3. Lullaby Of Birdland (5:03)
4. Strayhorn (7:05)
5. In My Quiet Time (8:38)
6. What Is The World Coming To? (8:55)
7. U.M.M.G. (6:39)
8. Here's That Rainy Day (7:36)

Added: March 9th 2012
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1823
Language: english

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