Search - Dan Mcmillion :: Give It One

Inspired Big Band Jazz

John Tapscott | Canada | 01/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dan McMillion follows very closely in the footsteps of his idol Maynard Ferguson. Dan's powerful trumpet often reflects Maynard's sound very accurately and the style of his band is based on Maynard's larger orchestras (as opposed to Maynard smaller Big Bop Nouveau with which he currently tours). By my count 7 of the CD's 11 charts are taken directly from the MF book. "Watermelon Man" is Bill Holman's arrangement for Woody Herman from '63 (a band in which Dan played). "Milestones" and "Naima" appear here in new arrangements. For me, the album's highlight is Frank Mantooth's arrangement of Cole Porter's "So in Love". This rather slow and moody arrangement builds to a brilliant climax as Dan leads the way with deeply moving flugelhorn and trumpet solos.



The Florida based McMillion Orchestra is excellent, and plays the charts with a high level of inspiration. The band sounds like it was really "up" for this session. My favorite charts are "Give It One" featuring the superb lead trumpet of Chad Shoopman; Don Sebesky's hard swinging "Fan It Janet"; the aforementioned "So in Love", which surely deserves a Grammy nomination for best arrangement of the year; and the closing "Naima". But every chart is enjoyable. This CD grabs and keeps your attention from beginning to end.



The band has a roster of fine soloists. Saxophonists Tom Dietz, Tim Stamps, Mark Gould, Dalton Hagler, pianst Christ Rottmayer and trombonist Keith Oshiro shine every time they step to the solo microphone. The powerful drummer Glen Bush drives the band at every tempo and plays effective brushes on Naima.



If originality in music is of high importance to you, then this CD may not be for you. But if you enjoy hearing familiar charts brilliantly played and superbly recorded, don't hesitate over this spirited CD. "Give It One" has been my most played CD of 2004 and is warmly recommended to all who enjoy swinging, powerful, modern big band jazz."