Unbridled
Flying Horse, 2025
8/10
This 9th album from The Flying Horse Big Band recruits George Garzone’s inimitable tenor sax for the Big Band ideas and playful improvisation of these 7 tracks.
The lively spirit of “Giant Steps” opens up the listen with Garzone’s flowing sax prowess amid Max Terechenok’s animated drums and the rich brass, and “Pharoah’s Daughter” follows with Jeff Rupert’s tenor sax complementing the rhythm section of Carlos Barreto’s bass and Jamesly Jean-Mary’s drums which helps make for lush grooves.
In the middle, the animated mood of “Chasin’ Tail” benefits from Leon Edge’s quick clarinet and Paul Van Wormer’s sax acrobatics, while “Reflections” offers a calmer demeanor thanks to Noah Charles’ emotive guitar and Garzone’s heartfelt sax.
“View Of Heaven” and “Impressions” exit the listen. The former is a dreamy moment of warm textures and much grace, and the latter benefits from Richard Drexler’s piano and Clarence Penn’s drums for the colorful and meticulous finish.
Yet another installment of their Big Band greatness, The Flying Horse Big Band swing with much fun and timeless jazz dynamics.
Travels well with: The Flying Horse Big Band- A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band; The Flying Horse Big Band- Florida Rays