Mixed Bag
Summit, 2025
9/10
The composer, arranger and vocalist Pete McGuinness enlists many players for this 4th album, and it’s his most adventurous work yet.
The animated spirit of “From This Moment On” opens with the bright winds and McGuinness’ playful scatting and smooth singing making an impression, and “Rebecca” follows with the rich horns and Scott Neumann’s frisky drumming adding much to the Big Band appeal.
Landing in the middle, “Down The Rabbit Hole” is a firm moment of scrappy drumming and exploratory keys via Mike Holober’s finger acrobatics, while “Body And Soul” rumbles with warmth amid the elegant brass and flowing winds that are never short on melody.
Close to the end, “Sly Fox” offers a charming and textured album highlight that benefits much from Mark Wade’s strategic bass, and “Where Do You Start?” exits with sophisticated strings and Chris Kome’s emotive French horn for the dreamy and heartfelt finish that has McGuinness providing stirring singing.
A well fleshed out listen that revolves around swing sounds, we’re also treated to sublime balladry, Bossa Nova and Samba fueled grooves, too.
Travels well with: Miles Okazaki- Miniature America; Christopher Zuar Orchestra- Exuberance