Trombonist/Composer/Arranger/Vocalist Pete McGuinness learned well from his mentor, Bob Brookmeyer, who always encouraged him to push boundaries. In Pete's musical life it's always been apparent, whether composing or arranging, or playing in the bands of Maria Schneider, Lionel Hampton, Jimmy Heath or Woody Herman, as well as leading his own jazz orchestra for over twenty years, performing at clubs and festivals, and resulting in numerous Grammy nominations for his arranging and vocal chops, which were also featured as part of The Royal Bopsters.
On Mixed Bag we get it all; engaging originals, vocal acumen on works by Cole Porter and Johnny Mandel, fabulous arrangements of tunes by John Lewis and Thelonious Monk, in addition to a gorgeous rendition of Johnny Mandel's "Where Do You Start?", with the lyrics of Alan & Marilyn Bergman, with guest pianist Bill Charlap, all surrounded by some of New York's finest musicians.
The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra celebrates the new recording in performance Sunday, May 25th at Birdland in New York.
Listen each weekday morning @ 8:20 to hear a track from Mixed Bag.
