Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra: Mixed Bag

SUMMIT RECORDS 834 (RELEASED MAY 23, 2025)

Pete McGuinness chose the title Mixed Bag to reflect the diverse musical styles represented on the latest outing from his jazz orchestra. True, the 11 selections range from up tempo swingers to bossa novas, ballads to more “outside” compositions. Despite the musical ground covered, there are some commonalities between the tunes — simple yet sophisticated arrangements and compelling and concise solos. What else would you expect from three-time Grammy-nominated bandleader/arranger/vocalist Pete McGuinness fronting a group of musicians whose resumes include stints with the likes of Maria Schneider, Woody Herman and Toshiko Akiyoshi? Things start off with a bang as drummer Scott Neumann kicks off Cole Porter’s “From This Moment On,” which features McGuinness’ singing and scatting as well as a soulful alto solo from Dave Pietro. While tunes such as “Lilac Blues” and “The Sly Fox (in memory of Bill Holman),” both written by McGuinness, demonstrate the band’s ability to swing and swing hard, two other McGuinnes originals — “The Dark Hours” and “Down the Rabbit Hole” take the band in a more modern direction. Trumpeter Chris Rogers and tenor saxophonist Tom Christensen solo over the Brazilian-inspired rhythms of Rogers’ “Rebecca.” McGuinness also rearranged three classics for Mixed Bag: “Body and Soul,” featuring flugelhorn player Hollis “Bud” Burridge; “So in Love,” taken as a bossa nova with the addition of Pete McCann on guitar and McGuinness’ heartfelt vocals; Thelonius Monk’s “Round Midnight,” featuring baritone saxophonist Dave Riekenberg; and John Lewis’ “Django” that evolves from a serene piano solo from Mike Holober to a surprising upbeat groove featuring an alto solo from Mark Phaneuf. The session concludes with Johnny Mandel’s “Where Do You Start?” This is McGuinness’ first foray into writing for a 16-piece string section. Thanks to his arranging skills, sensitive vocals and a piano solo from Bill Charlap, this might very well be the “start” of a new career for McGuinness. If you’re shopping for wonderfully crafted arrangements, well-played solos and one of the strongest big band releases of the season, Pete McGuinness’ Mixed Bag might very well be your bag!

BOTTOM LINE: UK Jazz News hailed The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra as “a fleet of inspired and virtuosic soloists coupled with exemplary ensemble prowess.” Mixed Bag
proves that statement to be true with a program of 11 tunes featuring various musical styles from up tempo swingers to bossa novas, ballads to more “outside” tunes. There are even some wonderful vocals from McGuinness himself!