Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass - The Brass Is Back

alessandroreis

Review by Alessandro Mendes

The Brass Is Back by Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass: A Big Band Triumph Released in 1991 on Concord Jazz, The Brass Is Back is a stellar reminder of why big band jazz still holds its ground decades after its golden era. Led by the legendary Rob McConnell and his powerhouse ensemble, The Boss Brass, this album blends tight arrangements, virtuosic soloing, and an infectious energy that feels both nostalgic and fresh. With credits split between McConnell and Rick Wilkins for arranging duties, it’s clear why this record has stood the test of time. One standout track is “Winter In Winnipeg.” Right off the bat, you’re hit with that biting cold vibe—musically speaking, of course. Don Thompson’s piano lays down some icy chords while Steve McDade’s trumpet flutters like a shiver running down your spine. It’s one of those tunes where every section gets to shine, but Ernie Pattison’s bass trombone adds this gruff warmth that keeps things grounded. You can almost picture yourself trudging through snowbanks, scarf wrapped tight, but somehow loving every second of it. This tune sticks because it’s not just music—it’s storytelling. Another gem is “All The Things You Are,” a classic standard given new life here. If you’ve heard this song before, forget everything—you ain’t ready for how lush and vibrant it sounds in the hands of these cats. Moe Koffman’s alto sax takes center stage at points, weaving lines so smooth they could sell silk sheets. And let’s not sleep on Ed Bickert’s guitar work; his comping is subtle yet perfectly placed, like seasoning on a well-cooked meal. When the full horn section kicks in, it’s pure euphoria—a wall of sound that makes your chest buzz. What strikes me most about The Brass Is Back isn’t just the technical brilliance (though there’s plenty of that). It’s the way the band plays as if they’re having the time of their lives. Terry Clarke’s drumming swings hard without ever overpowering, and Bob Leonard’s flute/bass clarinet combo adds unexpected textures throughout. Even the liner notes, penned by McConnell himself, feel personal, like he’s inviting you into the studio for a chat. This album came out during a time when jazz was fighting to stay relevant amidst the rise of grunge and pop dominance. Yet here we are, over three decades later, still talking about it. Funny enough, listening to The Brass Is Back today feels kinda rebellious—like throwing on a tuxedo to go grocery shopping. It’s bold, unapologetic, and dripping with class. So yeah, if you’re looking for something that’ll make your speakers sing and your heart race, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself air-conducting in your living room.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: rob-mcconnell-the-boss-brass-the-brass-is-back.zip
  • MP3 size: 62.4 mb
  • FLAC size: 304.8 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Who Asked9:34
Days Gone By6:18
Slow Grind7:25
Love Of My Life7:08
Them There Eyes8:13
Winter In Winnipeg7:17
All The Things You Are11:06
Strollin'7:01

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Catalog Numbers

  • CCD-4458
  • CJ-458-C

Labels

Concord Jazz

Listen online

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  • ouvir online
  • lyssna på nätet
  • ascolta in linea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • écouter en ligne
  • lytte på nettet
  • online luisteren

Formats

  • CD
  • Album
  • Promo
  • Cassette
  • Chrome
  • Dolby HX Pro
  • B NR

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Concord Jazz, Inc.
Copyright (c)Concord Jazz, Inc.
Recorded AtManta Sound
Remixed AtManta Sound
Manufactured ByBellaphon
Marketed ByBellaphon
Distributed BySound-Service Bellaphon International

Credits

RoleCredit
Arranged ByRick Wilkins (tracks: 4), Rob McConnell (tracks: 1 To 3, 5 To 8)
Art DirectionTimothy Toffoli
BassSteve Wallace
Bass TromboneErnie Pattison
ClarinetRick Wilkins
Tenor SaxophoneRick Wilkins
DrumsTerry Clarke
EngineerDean R. Perry
Executive-ProducerCarl E. Jefferson
FluteBob Leonard
Bass ClarinetBob Leonard
Baritone SaxophoneBob Leonard
Soprano SaxophoneJohn Johnson , Moe Koffman
Alto SaxophoneJohn Johnson , Moe Koffman
French HornGary Pattison, James MacDonald
GuitarEd Bickert
Mastered ByGeorge Horn
OtherBrian Toffoli
PercussionBrian Leonard
Photography ByDavid Keith
PianoDon Thompson
ProducerPhil Sheridan
Engineer [RecordingPhil Sheridan
Remix]Phil Sheridan
TromboneBob Livingston , Jerry Johnson
TrumpetSteve McDade
FlugelhornSteve McDade
Valve TromboneRob McConnell
Liner NotesRob McConnell

Notes

  • "For Promotional Use Only - Sale Is Unlawful" in red, printed on disc.
  • Recorded and remixed at Manta Sound Studios, Toronto, Canada, January 28-29, 1991.

Barcodes

  • Barcode: 013431445821
  • Barcode (Text): 0 1343-10458-4 7
  • Barcode: 4003099 931329
  • Matrix / Runout: INTERPRESS CCD-4458 13
  • Matrix / Runout (CD Mould): Made in W Germany Interpress Compact Disc
  • Label Code: LC 4643
  • SPARS Code: DDD

About Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass

Canadian big band founded in 1968 by , active until September 2007. Founded with the backing of to release on his label. Originally a 16-piece band with trumpets, trombones, French horns, and a rhythm section. Five saxophones were added in 1970, and a fifth trumpet in 1976. The full Boss Brass band was rarely assembled after 1997, when due to changing tastes and economic pressures McConnell whittled the group down to the .

Name Vars

  • Boss Brass Rob McConnell
  • Rob McConnell And The Big Brass
  • Rob McConnell And The Boss Brass
  • Rob McConnell's Boss Brass
  • The Boss Brass

Members

  • Terry Clarke
  • Marty Morell
  • Jimmy Dale
  • Brad Warnaar
  • Guido Basso
  • Bruce Cassidy
  • Arnie Chycoski
  • Ian McDougall
  • Russ Little
  • Rob McConnell
  • Eugene Amaro
  • Sam Noto
  • Gary Morgan
  • Moe Koffman
  • Don Thompson
  • Rick Wilkins
  • Earl Seymour
  • Ernie Pattison
  • Ed Bickert
  • Erich Traugott
  • Bob Leonard
  • Steve Wallace
  • Jerry Fuller
  • Bob Livingston
  • Jerry Toth
  • Dave McMurdo
  • Ron Hughes
  • John MacLeod
  • Alex Dean
  • David Restivo
  • Alastair Kay
  • Dave Caldwell
  • Teddy Roderman

Interesting fact about Album

Here's an interesting fact: The album *The Brass Is Back* by Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass is a jazz masterpiece that brings together an impressive lineup of musicians, each contributing their unique flair. One standout detail is that Rick Wilkins not only arranged one of the tracks but also played clarinet and tenor saxophone. It’s like he wore multiple hats to help shape the album’s big band sound. Released in 1991 on Concord Jazz, it blends classic jazz standards like “All The Things You Are” with original compositions, showcasing the rich diversity of talent within the band.