Mac Gollehan Smokin' Section CD

Part of a series of recordings cut live at New York's Half Note, this date features trumpeter Mac Gollehon leading a group also including baritonist Ronnie Cuber, pianist John Hicks, bassist Ron McClure, drummer Victor Jones and, on four of the nine numbers, guitarist Jeff Golub. It is obvious from the start that Gollehon is a high-powered performer who enjoys playing every chorus with every thing he has. Nat Adderley's "Sticks" and Lee Morgan's "Short Count" are given somewhat ferocious treatment with Gollehon screaming/whistling on his horn in spots and Cuber showing just how muscular a player he can be. The trumpeter's minor blues "Boulevard" is a bit calmer, while John Hicks' "Little Princess" (which sounds like it could have come from McCoy Tyner) builds and builds to an explosive level. While Gollehon's "The Shocker" is mentioned in the liner notes as being a "tender duet" played as a flugelhorn-piano duet, Gollehon's fire (which is barely kept beneath the surface) is obvious. Rockish romps through another blues-based tune, Jimi Hendrix's "May this Be Love" and a crazy rendition of "Sunshine of Your Love" conclude the set with the same intense energy with which it began. One does not look for subtlety on this record by Mac Gollehon, who has been involved in extensive studio work but considers Lester Bowie to be a major inspiration. This is not jazz to relax by but music that will excite listeners. Powerful stuff. ~ Scott Yanow

You can't help but feel cheated by the title of veteran studio trumpeter Mac Gollehon's Smokin' Section. Based on that, and the inclusion of guest artists Nile Rodgers, Hilton Ruiz, and Lester Bowie, it would have been reasonable to expect some hot brass section stuff, cool soul rhythms, and jazzy Latin numbers. Instead, Gollehon's practically a one-man band, playing either solo or layering his own trumpet over some cheaply recorded, oversynthesized tracks which smack of computer generated sounds and mega distortion, not to mention self-indulgence. These flaws are hard to get past, despite some solid jazz chops and improvisation. To his credit, however, is a wide palette, as he ranges stylistically from big band, classical, and jazz to urban sounds. A bigger budget, a real horn section and better focus might help whip this scattered talent into shape. ~ Jonathan Widran

veteran trumpet player (once performed on songs by David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Duran Duran) makes his debut as a leader, playing moody blues, pulsing soca, jazz rock, finger-popping pop & hip hop + more, inc. Niles Rodgers-gtr, Lester Bowie-tpt, Robert Arr

Photographers: Michael Baumann; Mac Gollehon.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Hilton Ruiz; Lester Bowie; Nile Rodgers.

Personnel: Mac Gollehon (trumpet); Mick Gaffney (guitar); Tom Russo (trumpet); Matt Hathaway (drums).

Audio Mixer: Matt Hathaway.

JazzTimes (3/97, p.71) - "Having worked on over 1,000 recordings--ranging from Lester Bowie to David Bowie, trumpeter Mac Gollehon has been in on groundbreaking work throughout his career. His eclectic solo work, MAC'S SMOKIN' SECTION is no exception..."