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The Flying Horse Big Band: A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band

By Jack Bowers
January 3, 2024
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The Flying Horse Big Band: A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band

The Message on the Florida-based Flying Horse Big Band's sixth album comes straight from the "messengers" themselves— drummer

Art Blakey

drums
1919 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Blakey's legendary Jazz Messengers, whose music is admirably presented here, and to whom the album is dedicated.

Its ten songs were composed by members of the Jazz Messengers—

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter,

Hank Mobley

saxophone, tenor
1930 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Hank Mobley,

Horace Silver

piano
1928 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Horace Silver,

Cedar Walton

piano
1934 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Cedar Walton,

Benny Golson

saxophone, tenor
1929 - 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">Benny Golson—and two were re-scored for a large ensemble by former Messenger

Michael Philip Mossman

composer / conductor
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Philip Mossman, with other charts by

Mark Taylor

composer / conductor
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Taylor (four),

Harry Allen

saxophone
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Harry Allen (two),

Don Sickler

trumpet
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Sickler and

Billy May

composer / conductor
1916 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy May. As was true of Blakey's ensembles, swinging is always on the front burner and, even though none of the themes was written for a big band, the Flying Horses and their masterful arrangers make them seem as though they have always belonged there.

It is hard to overpraise the section work, as brass, reeds and rhythm are strong and coherent throughout, working overtime to breathe life into these superlative charts. It is almost as if the Messengers had been revitalized, larger and more impressive than ever. And, as for the charts, there is not one that is less than eloquent and charming. Even so, special mention must be given to Taylor's clever arrangement of Shorter's "Lester Left Town," as he translates what is usually a mournful homage to the great

Lester Young

saxophone
1909 - 1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Lester Young into a thundering flag- waver worthy of

Woody Herman

band / ensemble / orchestra
1913 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Woody Herman or

Buddy Rich

drums
1917 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Rich at their high-octane best.

The session opens and closes with seductive burners by Shorter—"Free for All," arranged by Mossman, and "On the Ginza," arranged by Taylor. The Horses fly high on both, as they do on every number in between, thanks to splendid preparation by director

Jeff Rupert

saxophone
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Rupert, spotless section work and resourceful solos by all hands. "Free for All" seldom pauses for breath, nor does "On the Ginza." The temperature remains high on Mobley's "Hipsippy Blues," Silver's "Room 608," Shorter's "This Is for Albert" and Walton's "Mosaic," the first trimly arranged by Allen, the last by Sickler, and those in between by Taylor.

Even Silver's relatively easy-going "Peace" swings in its own sweet way, thanks to Allen's sparkling arrangement, after which the tempo accelerates on Silver's "Gregory Is Here" (arranged by Mossman) and "Lester Left Town." Golson's lone composition, and May's only chart, "Whisper Not," is yet another highlight, as the Horses gallop in harmony behind earnest solos from tenor saxophonist

Edmund "Quint" Johnson

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Edmund "Quint" Johnson and alto saxophonist

Micah Silverstein

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Micah Silverstein. That leaves the postscript to "On the Ginza" and, again, no one disappoints, as the band plays with its usual gusto while alto saxophonist

Paul van Wormer

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul van Wormer and trumpeter

Josh Mercado

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Josh Mercado lend their solo talents.

Although soloists are named, the only omission, improbably enough, is drummer

James Fortune

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">James Fortune who has powerhouse turns on "Free for All" and "Mosaic." Fortune shares timekeeping duties with the equally talented

Jamesly Jean-Mary

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Jamesly Jean-Mary. Mercado takes every trumpet solo, and the same holds true for trombonist

Dan Parrish

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Dan Parrish, while van Wormer owns every alto saxophone solo save one, Silverstein's on "Whisper Not." Guitarist

Noah Charles

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Noah Charles shines another bright light on "Room 608," "Gregory Is Here" and "Lester Left Town." Trumpets and trombones face a number of arduous passages, every one of which is navigated with ease and assurance, while the rhythm section not only keeps pace but adds its own vitality to the partnership.

The Flying Horse Big Band is never less than superb, and its dynamic Message comes through loud and clear. Even those whose big-band library is bursting at the seams must find space enough to accommodate this marvelous album. It is a decision that won't cause any regret.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Free for All; Hipsippy Blues; Room 608; This Is for Albert; Mosaic; Peace; Gregory Is Here; Lester Left Town; Whisper Not; On the Ginza.

Personnel

UCF Flying Horse Big Band

band / ensemble / orchestra

Jeff Rupert

saxophone

Josh Mercado

trumpet

Adam Zapf

trumpet

Robert Schmidt

trumpet

Phebe Rich

trumpet

Elijah Simmons

trumpet

Paul van Wormer

saxophone, alto

Micah Silverstein

saxophone, alto

Edmund "Quint" Johnson

saxophone, tenor

Steven Grant

piano

Noah Mosca

saxophone, baritone

Dan Parrish

trombone

Ralph Rodriguez

trombone

Gabe Funk

trombone

Ben Fuller

trombone, bass

Jack Hoag

piano

Noah Charles

guitar

Michael Santos

bass

James Fortune

drums

Album information

Title: A Message From The Flying Horse Big Band | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Flying Horse Records

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