Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass - Present Perfect

All Music Guide

The Boss Brass has always featured some of the finest jazz-oriented session players from Toronto, Canada. Valve trombonist Rob McConnell's swinging arrangements give the orchestra its own personality, as can be heard on this obscure Pausa LP, which was originally put out by the European MPS label. The band performs fresh versions of three swing-era standards (including "You Took Advantage of Me"), a lesser-known tune, and a couple of McConnell originals, including "The Waltz I Blew for You." The key soloists include trumpeters Guido Basso and Sam Noto, altoists Jerry Toth and Moe Koffman, Rick Wilkins and Eugene Amaro on tenors, guitarist Ed Bickert, and McConnell (who is featured on "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"). Worth searching for, as are virtually all of the recordings by this very consistent big band.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide