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Monday, March 30, 2009

Review: The Loudhorns - One For Maynard


The Loudhorns – One For Maynard
2009, Loud Conversation Pieces


The Loudhorns are a collective of some of the best studio brass players Nashville has to offer. Various members have worked with folks such as Garth Brooks, Elton John, Paul Simon, Maynard Ferguson, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Randy Brecker and Larry Carlton. The Loudhorns offer electrifying live performances and a mix of jazz classic, pop covers and original songs. The forthcoming release from The Loudhorns, One For Maynard, is a tribute to the great Maynard Ferguson. Featuring six Ferguson covers and three pop covers (in the spirit of Ferguson); One For Maynard is a dynamic collection that is certain to please.

The Loudhorns mean business. Right from the opening notes of Give It One, The Loudhorns literally blow the listener away with an aggressive and musical style that is compelling. The Loudhorns don't just play jazz, they hunger for it. That drive and devotion to the art is in every note and every phrase. Even on the more laid back tracks (La Fiesta, Left Bank Express, Fly Away Home) The Loudhorns play with an energy and vivacity that escapes many modern jazz musicians. It hearkens back t a time when musicians played music because it was all they had. It's so refreshing to hear that energy and desire in a form that's been so thoroughly explored as jazz.

Highlights abound. Birdland is a musical master piece, and Superbone Meets The Badman has a spunk to it that's absolutely infectious. The cover of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody is well meant, but doesn't play as well on brass as I might have expected (particularly the quieter passages). A personal favorite is the funky and flavorful Foreign Correspondent; guaranteed to get your feet moving.

The Loudhorns are very much in demand both individually and collectively as session musicians and it's easy to see why. One For Maynard is classic jazz with a modern touch. Don't pass this one by.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about The Loudhorns at www.myspace.com/loudhorns. You can purchase a copy of One For Maynard at www.cdbaby.com/cd/loudhorns.

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