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Pete McCann: Extra Mile

By Mark Corroto
August 9, 2009
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Pete McCann may be a kind of a guitar superman, considering his work with bands led by

Patti Austin

vocals
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Patti Austin,

Lee Konitz

saxophone, alto
1927 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Lee Konitz,

Kenny Wheeler

flugelhorn
1930 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Wheeler,

Dave Liebman

saxophone
b.1946

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Liebman,

Kenny Garrett

saxophone, alto
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Garrett,

Peter Erskine

drums
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Erskine,

Gary Thomas

saxophone
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Thomas,

Greg Osby

saxophone
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Greg Osby,

Brian Blade

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Blade and

Maria Schneider

composer / conductor

" data-original-title="" title="">Maria Schneider.

Since moving to New York in 1989, McCann has lent his skills to these diverse leaders, which shows his chameleon-like approach. He is equally comfortable playing pre- and post-bop jazz, as well as electric fusion, acoustic, Latin and rock—all of which are on display on his fourth solo album, Extra Mile.

After the seemingly effortless gentle swing of the opening "Fielder's Choice," McCann opens up his suitcase of sounds, playing Stevie Ray Vaughn-inspired licks juxtaposed against some spry acoustic wanderings. Each original composition on the release reveals more of McCann's many facets, none of which could have been accomplished without the support given by bassist

Matt Clohesy

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Clohesy and drummer

Mark Ferber

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Ferber. Their glue holds the diverse meanderings together.

Employing guest players—such as saxophonist

John O'Gallagher

saxophone, alto
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">John O'Gallagher and pianist

Henry Hey

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Henry Hey—allows McCann to branch in multiple directions. O'Gallagher walks lock step on the imperturbable title track and the burning blues of "Isosceles." Like McCann, the saxophonist has an eclectic ear, with far-ranging tastes but is never scattershot in his approach.

Hey shines throughout, but on "Rhodes Less Traveled" he is allowed to stretch out on the electric piano as McCann absolutely sizzles on guitar. Other stellar tracks include the fine guitar/bass acoustic duet "Pi," the retro-jazz-rock of "Angry Panda," and the urgent and very memorable Weather Report-electricity of "Stasis."

Pete McCann may try to fly under the radar, but his powers as a superhero guitarist are certainly revealed on this exceptional album.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Fielder's Choice; Isosceles; Stasis; Extra Mile; Angry Panda; Tributary; Pi; Hybrid; Lonesome Prairie Dog; Rhodes Less Traveled.

Personnel

Pete McCann

guitar

Pete McCann: electric guitar, acoustic guitar; John O'Gallagher: alto saxophone; Henry Hey: piano, Fender Rhodes piano; Matt Clohesy: acoustic bass, electric bass; Mark Ferber: drums.

Album information

Title: Extra Mile | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Nineteen-Eight Records

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