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Danny Jonokuchi: A Decade

By Pierre Giroux
September 26, 2024
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A Decade is arranger-composer, trumpeter and vocalist

Danny Jonokuchi

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Danny Jonokuchi's celebration of personal and musical evolution, encapsulating his growth over the last ten years as a musician and leader of his big band. The album draws on jazz's rich traditions while also serving as a reflection of the enduring spirit of the genre. The release features compositions that outline the signature flourish of Jonokuchi's writing, standing as a testament to his ability to overcome personal obstacles.

The session opens with pianist

Kenny Barron

piano
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Barron's stellar original, "Voyage," which is a burner from the opening notes. The rhythmic propulsion is provided by drummer

Kevin Congleton

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Kevin Congleton in a chart filled with short, punchy phrases. The juicy and distinct solos from pianist

Jeb Patton

piano
b.1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeb Patton and alto saxophonist

Andrew Gould

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew Gould are authoritative and filled with long, slippery lines.

Lionel Hampton

vibraphone
1908 - 2002

" data-original-title="" title="">Lionel Hampton's "Red Top" is set up as a feature for the highly-regarded trumpeter

Terell Stafford

trumpet
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Terell Stafford. Offering an arrangement that has an undeniable sense of

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Count Basie, the band swings out with a terrific sense of groove as Stafford sails over the top in a firm and authoritative tone.

The only Jonokuchi original in this release is "South Philly." In this full-throttle chart, the swing is tight, the rhythm section driving and the horn arrangements are soaring. Trumpeter

Scott Wendholt

trumpet
b.1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Scott Wendholt and Gould deliver lyrical and harmonically-layered solos. The old popular song turned jazz standard, "On Green Dolphin Street," is given a new reading with an upbeat Latin vibe and playful interactions between instruments. Jonokuchi's dynamic trumpet leads the ensemble through the theme, along with a raucous baritone sax interjection by

Andrew Gutauskas

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew Gutauskas.

Throughout the album, Jonokuchi's touch as a band leader is assured yet flexible, allowing his band members to express themselves, while maintaining the structure, making for a cohesive sound. This structure is apparent in the

Tadd Dameron

piano
1917 - 1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Tadd Dameron bop classic "Lady Bird." The intricate chart is such that each section in the band complements the other, creating a cohesive unit with rhythmic patterns that allow the soloists,

Chris Oatts

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Oatts and

Bruce Harris

trumpet
b.1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Bruce Harris, to shine.

The closer is the popular standard "Skylark," composed by

Hoagy Carmichael

piano
1899 - 1981

" data-original-title="" title="">Hoagy Carmichael and

Johnny Mercer

composer / conductor
1909 - 1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Mercer. In this version, Jonokuchi provides an amiable vocal backed by the band's full power. Tenor saxophonist

Chris Lewis

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Lewis slides in his solo with a focussed contemplative sound.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Voyage; Red Top; This Can't Be Love; South Philly; Skylark; On Green Dolphin Street; Ping Pong; Lady Bird; Like Someone In Love; Skylark (vocal).

Personnel

Danny Jonokuchi

trumpet

Jeb Patton

piano

Terell Stafford

trumpet

Scott Wendholt

trumpet

Andrew Gutauskas

saxophone, baritone

Chris Oatts

saxophone, alto

Bruce Harris

trumpet

Christopher McBride

saxophone, alto

Jon Beshay

saxophone, tenor

Robert Edwards

trombone

Victor Pablo

percussion

Kevin Congleton

percussion

Samuel Harris

bass

Noah Halpern

trumpet

James Zollar

trumpet

Sam Hoyt

trumpet

John Lake

trumpet

Nick Marchione

trumpet

Jason Jackson

trombone

Sara Jacovino

trombone

Additional Instrumentation

Reginald Chapman: trombone.

Album information

Title: A Decade | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Bandstand Presents

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