The Flying Horse Big Band – A Message From
The Flying Horse Big Band
A Message From
Flying Horse Records
This writer is struck by the seemingly recent trend for large ensembles to tackle material from the great hard bop combos of Horace Silver, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Cedar Walton, and others. Just last week we reviewed Cory Weeds’ Little Big Band who did, excepting a couple of originals, what Jeff Rupert’s Flying Horse Big Band delivers on A Message From. These ten tracks celebrate the music composed by members of the Jazz Messengers including Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Hank Mobley, and Don Sickler.
Over the years, the Flying Horse Big Band has welcomed artists such as Randy Brecker, Bob Berg, Michael Mossman, James Moody, Nick Brignola, Harry Allen, Steve Turre, Rodney Holmes, Terry Gibbs, Marvin Stamm, Mulgrew Miller, John Swana, Kevin Mahogany, Lou Donaldson, and Eric Alexander. This edition, the band’s sixth, does not boast those kinds of prestigious names, but instead those of Rupert’s students at the University of Central Florida where he directs the Jazz Studies program. These musicians give an uplifting, vibrant reading to four tunes composed by Shorter, three from Silver, one each from Hank Mobley, Don Sickler, and Benny Golson. Interestingly, former Jazz Messenger Michael Mossman arranged “Free for All” and “Gregory Is Here.” Mark Taylor arranged four and Harry Allen arranged two. This treatment makes these older pieces sound remarkably contemporary. There’s not really a trace of ‘retro’ to the sound, which is rather remarkable. The album features four of this writer’s favorite Messenger tunes – “Free for All,” “Mosaic,” “Lester Left Town” and “Peace.” (Composers detailed below)
The Flying Horse Big Band numbers 18 musicians – five saxophonists, five trumpets/flugelhorns, four trombones, and a rhythm section of piano, guitar, bass, and drums. For the most part, the pieces are played as a full ensemble, but these four soloists deserve special mention – tenor saxophonist Edmund “Quint” Johnson, (6), trumpeter Josh Mercado (6), trombonist Dan Parrish (3), alto saxophonist Paul Van Wormer (3), and guitarist Noah Charles (3). Full personnel are listed below.
| Set List/composers | Personnel |
| Wayne Shorter “Free for All,” “This is for Albert,” “Lester Left Town,” “On the Ginza”
|
Saxophones – Alto- Paul Van Wormer and Mican Silverstein – Tenors – Edmund “Quint “Johnson and Steven Grant – Baritone- Noah Mosca |
| Horace Silver “Room 608,” “Peace,” “Gregory Is Here” | Trumpets – Josh Mercado, Adam Zapf, Robert Schmidt, Phebe Rich, Elijah Simmons |
| Hank Mobley “Hipsippy Blues” | Trombones – Dan Parrish, Ralph Rodriguez, Gabe Funk – Bass Trombone – Ben Fuller |
| Cedar Walton/Don Sickler “Mosaic” | Rhythm Section – Piano – Jack Hoag – Guitar -Noah Charles – Bass – Michael Santos – Drums – James Fortune or Jamesly Jean-Mary |
| Benny Golson “Whisper Not” |
- Jim Hynes
Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!
Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.
We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.
Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly
