Pete McGuinness — composer and arranger, trombonist and singer — recently stopped by Morning Jazz to chat about Along For the Ride, the third album featuring his big band.
It’s trip that takes in the scenery of standards like “Put On A Happy Face,” the Gershwins’ “Who Cares,” Michel Legrand’s “You Must Believe In Spring” and “May I Come In?” — the latter two McGuinness arrangements showcasing his vocal and trombone playing respectively. His voice and vocal arranging talents are also now part of The Royal Bopsters, who are slated for an appearance at this year’s Newport Jazz Festival.
Honing skills first acquired in the bands of Woody Herman, Buddy Rich and Maria Schneider, Pete’s considerable creative experience opens us up for the four originals that ride along nicely with reimagined standards, and a commissioned arrangement of Nat Adderley’s “Jive Samba.”
The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra performs on Sunday night at 6pm at Birdland in New York.
Audio producer: Sarah Kerson