NEWS

Fast Track - Jack Cortner & His NY Big Band, Jack Cortner

By A Mystery Man Writer

After many years as one of the busiest arranger/composers in New York City, Jack Cortner has released his first CD. Jack, in my opinion, is one of the best orchestrators in the world, and he has written a beautiful album. His writing is sleek, never heavy, and the band swings like crazy! I am sure you will be taken by the music on this CD and the marvelous playing by this great big band of New York's finest. I am privileged to be prominently featured throughout, but there is also great solo playing by pianist Bill Mays, saxophonist Dave Tofani, trombonist Jim Pugh, and drummer John Riley. Fast Track also features the great lead trumpet of Bob Millikan and the terrific lead alto of Lawrence Feldman in a saxophone section that includes Jerry Dodgion and Kenny Berger. Jim Pugh leads the trombone section, and the band is driven by the marvelous rhythm section of Bill Mays, bassists Jay Anderson and Martin Wind, drummer John Riley, and guitarist Jeff Mironov. Among the tunes are the standards, Secret Love, Softly As In A Morning Sunrise, Lover Man, Limehouse Blues, and On The Trail. Fast Track also features five original pieces written by Jack Cortner and one by me. This is a beautifully produced album with great sound by engineer Artie Friedman and beautifully written liner notes by the great Jazz writer Doug Ramsey.