ProJazz.net

“Based in Florida, the Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra is modeled on the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra of the 1970s and, to a lesser extent, the ’60s, with its leader belting out impressive high-note blasts on his trumpet. After the first few numbers, one becomes weary of all the high notes and fortunately, the music settles down a bit while still remaining mostly high-powered. In addition to McMillion, the key soloists include altoist Tom Dietz and tenors Tim Stamps and Mark Gould. Some of the selections are a bit commercial and this orchestra has a derivative sound but the musicianship is excellent. Certainly Maynard Ferguson fans will want this CD and will wonder why Dan McMillion is not better-known.” – Scott Yanow/AllMusic.

Track listing:

1 Just Friends
Arranged By – Tom Garling
Composed By – John Klenner, Samuel M. Lewis*
Featuring, Soloist, Trombone – Keith Oshiro
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
4:43
2 Give It One
Composed By – Maynard Ferguson
Composed By, Arranged By – Alan Downey (2)
Featuring, Soloist, Alto Saxophone – Tom Dietz
Featuring, Soloist, Drums – Glen Bush
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet [Lead] – Chad Shoopman
3:36
3 Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Arranged By – Keith Mansfield
Composed By – Paul Simon
Featuring, Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Mark Gould (2)
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
3:59
4 Coconut Champaign
Arranged By – Bob Lowden*
Composed By – Dennis Deblasio*
Featuring, Soloist, Baritone Saxophone – Dalton Hagler
Featuring, Soloist, Drums – Glen Bush
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
4:27
5 Fan It Janet
Composed By, Arranged By – Don Sebesky
Featuring, Soloist, Keyboards – Chris Rottmayer
Featuring, Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Mark Gould (2)
Featuring, Soloist, Trombone – Keith Oshiro
3:09
6 So In Love
Arranged By – Frank Mantooth
Composed By – Cole Porter
Featuring, Soloist, Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
9:12
7 Birdland
Composed By – Josef Zawinul*
Featuring, Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Tim Stamps
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
5:01
8 Footpath Café
Composed By – Maynard Ferguson
Composed By, Arranged By – Christian Jacob
Featuring, Soloist, Alto Saxophone – Tom Dietz
Featuring, Soloist, Piano – Chris Rottmayer
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
7:11
9 Milestones
Arranged By – Wayne Beardwood
Composed By – Miles Davis
Featuring, Soloist, Drums – Glen Bush
Featuring, Soloist, Keyboards – Chris Rottmayer
Featuring, Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Mark Gould (2)
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
4:33
10 Watermelon Man
Arranged By – Bill Holman
Composed By – Herbie Hancock
Featuring, Soloist, Alto Saxophone – Tom Dietz
Featuring, Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Mark Gould (2)
Featuring, Soloist, Trombone – Keith Oshiro
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
5:47
11 Niama
Arranged By – Wayne Beardwood
Composed By – John Coltrane
Featuring, Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Tim Stamps
Featuring, Soloist, Trumpet – Dan McMillion
5:18

Personnel:

Dan McMillion, Chad Shoopman, Brian Scanlon, Jim Derrick, Mike Iapichino, Alan Stegeman- trumpet, flugelhorn; Keith Oshiro, Matt Buckmaster, Chris Clifton- trombone, Jason Smith- trombone; Jim Hall- bass trombone; Tom Dietz- alto saxophone, flute; Wayne Beardwood- alto saxophone; Mark Gould, Tim Stamps- tenor saxophone; Dalton Hagler- baritone saxophone; Chris Rottmayer- piano, keyboards; Joe Porter- double bass, electric bass; Glen Bush- drums, Latin percussion.

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Label: Sea Breeze Jazz – SB-2131
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: December 28, 2004
Recording Location: Morrisound Studios, Tampa, FL
Duration: 57:09