The Pugilist
Dig-It, 2022
8/10
The drummer and bandleader Bernie Dresel returns with the BBB for another batch of large jazz orchestra tunes, and this time the entire record was made without the band seeing one another due to the pandemic.
The title track opens the listen with bright and flowing brass that is met with playful bass lines and Dresel’s inimitable drumming, and this liveliness continues to the swift and agile “Running And Jumping”, which displays some very warm guitar work, too.
Further on, “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To” makes great use of Brian Scanlon’s alto sax and Andrew Synowiec’s smooth guitar in the cautious landscape, while “Positive For The Blues” places Carl Saunders on vocals in the bluesy climate. “I Got Rhythm”, one of the album’s best, then indeed hosts plenty of rhythm as Dresel’s drumming acrobatics make an indelible impression.
“What Could Go Wrong” and “Zomby Woof” exit the listen, where the former displays Saunders’ sturdy trumpet playing and the latter finishes with an infectious and adventurous landscape that has Anthony Bonsera on vocals.
A record with an incredible, animated sound, you’d think the band we’re playing right in front of you, as each instrument is illuminated precisely, making for a swinging good time that doesn’t shy away from calm moments, too,
Travels well with: Flounder- I’m The Flounder; Dennis Mitcheltree- Nevermind The Circus