Jim McNeely Group Therapy CD

"5 Highly Inventive Originals+ Reworkings Of Classic Standard

Jim McNeely Tentet: Jim McNeely (piano); Billy Drewes (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, flute, clarinet); Dick Oatts (soprano & alto saxophones, flute); Scott Robinson (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Tony Kadleck, Greg Gisbert, Scott Wendholt (trumpet); Tom Varner (French horn); Ed Neumeister (trombone); Cameron Brown (bass); John Hollenbeck (drums).
Recorded at The Studio, New York, New York on June 5 & 6, 2000. Includes liner notes by Frank Tafuri.
GROUP THERAPY was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
Personnel: Jim McNeely (piano); Billy Drewes (flute, clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Dick Oatts (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Scott Robinson (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Greg Gisbert, Scott Wendholt, Tony Kadleck (trumpet, flugelhorn); Tom Varner (French horn); Ed Neumeister (trombone); John Hollenbeck (drums).
Liner Note Author: Frank Tafuri.
Recording information: The Studio, New York, NY (06/05/2000-06/09/2000).
Photographer: Frank Tafuri.
One of the highlights of the 2001 I.A.J.E. (International Association of Jazz Educators) conference was a live preview concert by the Jim McNeely Tentet that included almost all the arrangements heard on this CD, released the following month. The veteran pianist's charts are hard to predict, full of surprises, and a lot of fun, beginning with his freewheeling take of Bud Powell's "The Fruit." The band only plays its theme in abbreviated spurts initially, with trombonist Ed Neumeister serving as the focal point of the early solos. The Christmas carol "Silent Night" rarely appears on recordings other than seasonal releases, but McNeely envisioned this lovely centuries-old melody as one worthy of further explorations. The pianist remains far away from its theme as both he and tenor saxophonist Billy Drewes take turns soloing; gradually the inspiration for this wonderful chart is disclosed as the full band joins in. John Coltrane's "Village Blues" is not one of his more frequently played works, but the leader shows that it has plenty of potential with a wild score that has hints of dissonance and occasional cacophony, but also some of the most inspired soloing by the band on this date. The classic "Body and Soul" is slowed to a crawl and a haunting vamp is added underneath it; this is truly one of the most inspired recordings of this standard to appear since Coleman Hawkins' landmark version was waxed in 1939. McNeely's original works tend to be extended, but there's no filler material present. "Lost" is quite captivating, showcasing McNeely's fine playing and that of alto saxophonist Dick Oatts, plus a potent drum solo by John Hollenbeck. "Group Therapy" is quite descriptive of its musical character, where overlapping voices seem to simulate a lively group discussion between the ensemble passages. This outstanding release concludes with McNeely's energetic "A Perfect Six." The tremendous playing of everyone involved -- also including Scott Robinson, Tom Varner, Greg Gisbert, Scott Wendholt, Cameron Brown, and Tony Kadleck -- makes one hope that this wasn't just a one-shot studio gathering but something that Jim McNeely would like to build upon for future recordings. Very highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden
GROUP THERAPY finds Jim McNeely fast becoming the premier big band arranger of his generation. The pianist offers up eight compositions, each invoking the rich possibilities of large-ensemble jazz. Not technically a big band, this top-flight tentet has the improvisational latitude of a combo, yet in McNeely's hands, they have the have all the muscle of a 17-piece jazz orchestra.
We hear five McNeely compositions on GROUP THERAPY. In addition, "The Fruit" by Bud Powell, "Village Blues" by John Coltrane, and the Green/ Heyman standard "Body and Soul" all receive fresh reworkings here. Clearly though, it is the titJazzTimes (5/01, p.173) - "...McNeely has an agile band that allows him to show off all of his tuneful goods at once..."