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Pete Ellman: For Pete's Ache

By Nicholas F. Mondello
February 24, 2021
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Long a fixture throughout Chicagoland, the Ellman name is synonymous with all things musical. No "ache" at all, this album is a fun big-band romp. There is some outstanding ensemble and solo work and the various terrific arrangements bring the best out of a superb, engaged ensemble.

The opener, "High Speed Pursuit," is a whirlwind burner which demonstrates the swing, muscle, and solo talent of this fine ensemble. Think "Naked Gun" on speed. The swing spirit is evident in the title tune—one that is reminiscent of those

Buddy Rich

drums
1917 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Rich burners of the late '60s. This group has an energy which is hard to top, as on "The Adventures of Snooky and Bumbles," an adventure and exploration in "Rhythm." Yet, there is some very fine ballad playing here too, as on "Soon It's Gonna Rain" featuring a very tasty David Katz flugelhorn solo.

There are a handful of fine arrangers involved, each offering their unique creative wares. Each takes advantage of the collective and individual talents of this ensemble and challenges same. Excellent examples are Larry Harris's

Gil Evans

composer / conductor
1912 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Gil Evans-ish "Soon It's Gonna Rain," the hip Latin take from Matt Harris on

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing," and the slick mash-up by Daniel Moore of "Manteca" with "Take the 'A' Train." Alan Blaylock's "Livin' Larger Than Life" is another example where arranging skill meets ensemble chops. The result of this input variety leads to most enjoyable listening.

Lead trumpeter Roger Ingram commands this ship magnificently along with in-pocket men, drummer Bill Byan, percussionist Ron Spaeth, and their fine rhythm mates, Larry Harris, Aaron Kruger, and Keith Brady. Their collective cooking on "Tenor Sanity," a re-work on the

Sonny Rollins

saxophone
b.1930

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Rollins "Madness" classic, is a muscular tenor battle between Ira Nevins and Ian Letts.

For Pete's Ache is the kind of big band album that serves up an intelligent, entertaining, and very swinging near-hour. It is an honest, no-frills, trip to Big Band Land.

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Track Listing

High Speed Pursuit, When Lights Are Low, For Pete's Ache, Soon It's Gonna Rain, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), Home Sweet Home, Manteca the 'A' Train, Tenor Sanity, Dos Cinco Juan, The Adventures of Snooky and Bumbles, Livin' Larger Than Life.

Personnel

Pete Ellman

trumpet

Roger Ingram

trumpet

David Katz

trumpet

Daniel Moore

trumpet

Bryan Miller

vocals

Steve Schnall

saxophone, alto

Ian Letts

saxophone, alto

Craig Roselieb

saxophone

Ian Nevins

saxophone, tenor

Andy Schlinder

saxophone, tenor

Ted Hogarth

saxophone, baritone

Keith Pitner

trombone

Mark Chorazyczewski

trombone

Richard Clark

trombone

Andy Baker

trombone

John Blane

trombone, bass

Larry Harris

piano

Aaron Krueger

guitar

Keith Brady

bass

Additional Instrumentation

Bill Byan: drums, Ron Spaeth: percussion

Album information

Title: For Pete's Ache | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: One Too Tree Records

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