Jack Cortner is a relatively unknown big band arranger to the jazz community as his talents have been more recognized in the commercial, Broadway, and television arenas. That is sure to change with the release of Fast Track, his debut CD on Jazzed Media. It features heavyweight trumpeter Marvin Stamm and a host of New York’s finest session men, including Jim Pugh, Dave Tofani, John Riley, and the brilliant pianist, Bill Mays. Having Jerry Dodgion along, as well as Ronnie Cuber on two tracks (including the feature, Lover Man) adds to the star power of Cortner’s band.
Cortner and Stamm go back forty years together and Jack has made this CD a session based around the powerful playing of Stamm. Marvin does not disappoint. Right out of the gate, Marvin takes charge on his own composition, Who’s at Talkin’. Bill Mays and Dave Tofani each get feature time as well, and John Riley on drums drives the band hard while Jay Anderson gives notice on bass. It’s a rollicking start. Next, Softly, as In a Morning Sunrise, the 1928 Hammerstein chestnut, puts Stamm center stage, but the rest of the band gives strong backing.
Cortner’s Ballad for Betsy, gives off a moody film-noirist vibe with muted horns. Etude gives Mays a chance to show off his piano chops, and the rest of the band lays back till a bossa nova vamp kicks in for a few measures. The rest of the band jumps back in before Mays takes the tune out. Secret Love, a 1953 Webster/Fain composition puts Stamm back in charge and his clear, assertive, yet warm tone sets the stage for the brass section to take off on a tear.
On the Trail, one of my favorite compositions, going back to Jimmy Heath’s 1964 recorded session, lopes along at swinging pace for Stamm to showcase his talents. It also has a Basie style relaxed groove. It is definitely a highlight of the CD.
Slowdown keeps the relaxed groove alive and the muted Stamm horn, as well as Mays’ piano lines contribute to the swing feel of Cortner’s composition. Cortner’s arranging talents are evident as well on two more of his charts, Flimflam Ma’am, and Fast Track, with the latter featuring some dynamite drumming by John Riley.
Lover Man, was recorded at the end of the first day of recording, and even though the band was doing a first run sight reading, both Stamm’s and Mays’ solos were so gorgeous that no need for a second run was needed.
The friendship and simpatico of longtime mates Stamm and Cortner make Fast Track a special big band session. The crystalline recording acoustics of Clinton Recording are an added bonus. Highly recommended!
Tracklist: Who’s at Talkin’, Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise, Ballad for Betsy, Etude, Secret Love, On the Trail, Limehouse Blues, Slowdown, Flimflam Ma’am, Fast Track, Lover Man
– Jeff Krow
