Without Question
McCannic, 2023
8/10
The Wisconsin native Pete McCann has been applying his guitar playing to New York City’s jazz scene for over 3 decades now, and this 7th recording as leader brings Steve Wilson, Henry Hey, Matt Pavolka and Mark Ferber to the 10 detailed tracks.
The title track opens the listen with McCann’s swift guitar acrobatics alongside Hey’s fluid keys and Wilson’s bright sax for the animated jazz climate, and “I Can Remember” follows with a calmer mood of cautious guitar and Ferber’s light drums for the sublime intimacy.
At the halfway point, “Lovely Thing” bops and shakes with a frisky energy thanks to Pavolka’s skilled bass alongside the lively drums, while “Blues For O.M.” uses the soaring brass flawlessly amid the dynamic rhythm section.
“Hindsight” and “Erase The Hate” exit the listen, where the former showcases meticulous progressions from McCann’s guitar, and the latter moves with a reflective, powerful tone that meshes the brass, guitars, drums and piano with much attention to detail.
McCann has played on over 100 recordings, traveled to 20 countries, has played in almost every state in the USA, and he brings a wealth of talent and experience to a modern jazz affair that doesn’t shy away from blues, rock and post-bop fun.
Travels well with: Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions; Dave Stryker- Prime