I think that this album purports to demonstrate to us that all music is essentially of the same cloth, whether jazz or classical, and that these musicians want to move between one and the other in order to demonstrate that to us. This is a CD of trumpet music, period, regardless of style. This has been tried many times before, and it rarely works—in point of fact, there is a great deal of difference between the two, and shoving them beside one another on a CD to me only emphasizes that fact. When I am in the mood for jazz, I know where to look and what to hear—like wise with classical. I never want to hear them juxtaposed on one CD, and I doubt many others do either.
That being said, what is this music here really like? Not bad, to tell the truth. The classical pieces are from Canadian composers, and I liked all of them (listed first in the head note) with the possible exception of the Variations for Trumpet, which seemed to me a little chewier than the rest. The Concerto sounds for all the world like the Hindemith Trumpet Sonata, and that’s not a criticism at all. The Trumpet Sonata given here is nicely done, as is the Aria. The jazz arrangements are played better than the classical pieces because I think Mr. McNeill is a better jazz player; some of his classical playing displays a bit of the undisciplined sloppiness and insecurities that often beset players who switch-hit in these genres. And he seems more relaxed in the jazz also, playing a warm flugel that rivals dear old Chuck Mangione (who is 68 now—unbelievable).
So I can definitely recommend this for the jazz, and the classical pieces are fine too, it’s just that I can imagine them played better. But whether they will get multiple recordings is anyone’s guess, so if this interests you don’t hesitate. Jazz enthusiasts will fine some nice readings here.
— Steven Ritter
