This Is Now
Pony Boy, 2024
9/10
The 16 piece ensemble, Pony Boy All-Star Big Band, bring us new arrangements from their esteemed members, where 10 tracks plus a bonus disc illustrate their distinct energy.
“Harrod’s Creek” starts the festivities with Steve Treseler’s lively tenor sax and Greg Williamson’s complicated drumming helping make for much rhythm, and the animated “Sabermetric Samba” follows with Kandin Neri’s flowing tenor max complementing the rich brass and John Hansen’s frisky keys.
Closer to the middle, the intimate spirit of “Rabin” welcomes Mike Mines’ well timed trombone that suits the elegance, while “I Fall In Love Too Easily” spotlights a trombone solo thanks to Conner Eisenmenger via the indeed romantic mood.
Near the end, “The Ray” allows for David Marriott’s precise trombone to enter the soft versus firm gestures, and of the bonus tracks, “I Won’t Dance” will certainly get anyone dancing to the bright melodies that makes great use of Heather Criscaden’s bouncy bass and Keith Karns’ lively horn.
The sound quality here is excellent, and so are the songs, where the influence from Gil Evans and Thad Jones keeps the Big Band traditions alive and radiant.
Travels well with: Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra- Things Will Pass; Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk