JAZZ CRUISE: The Jazz Cruise has rapidly become one of my favorite gigs. Great music, tropical islands, beautiful weather…what’s not to like? This year was once again filled with some of the biggest names in jazz. I was lucky enough to play with the big band (led by John Fedchock) in a trumpet section that featured Randy Brecker, Scott Wendholt, Claudio Roditi, and Mike Rodriguez. What a treat to hear those guys every night!

A few of the other amazing performances I was able to catch: Phil Woods Quintet, Joey DeFrancesco, Clayton Brothers Quintet, Benny Golson, Marcus Miller Band, Arturo Sandoval, Christian McBride, John Pizzarelli, etc… It really was a wonderful experience! (www.thejazzcruise.com)

HIP-BONE INTERVIEW: Along with being a long-time friend and colleague, trombonist Michael Davis has created one of the finest brass companies around, Hip-Bone Music (www.hip-bonemusic.com). In addition to method books, CD’s, and compositions/arrangements for brass, he also does a monthly interview with someone in the music business, called BONE2PICK. Past interviews have included Chris Botti, Lew Soloff, Wayne Bergeron, Andy Martin, Jerry Hey, etc… I had the good fortune to sit down and talk to Mike in one of these interviews recently. (http://www.hip-bonemusic.com/b2p_kadleck.html)

Reviews are still coming in following the August release.

Here are some notable quotes:

“He’s an unerring player with extraordinary chops…. precision and passion have long been the hallmarks of Kadleck’s work, and both come through loud and clear on this pleasing date.” (Dan Bilawsky – All About Jazz)

“A great record; it may take may a very long time to get all that’s in it.” (Larry Kart – author, “Jazz In Search of Itself” – Yale University Press)

“… an album filled with tight ensemble work and a cache of fine solos—big band jazz as good as it gets.” (Jack Goodstein – BlogCritics)

“… this set cooks in the finest fashion. Well done.” (Chris Spector – Midwest Record)

“Kadleck has a fine debut album with Around the Horn, one that whets your appetite for future recordings.” (Joe Lang – Jersey Jazz)

“While Kadleck is well-known as a fine lead and all-around trumpeter, what shines and surprises here—in addition to his take-command lead chops—is his superb arranging… Around the Horn knocks it out of the park.” (Nicholas Mondello – All About Jazz)

“Kadleck deserves credit for lifting a self-done project to a high level.” (Bob Karlovits – Pittsburgh Tribune)

“Kadleck is a vastly experienced trumpet player, a widely sought-after sideman, and, on this evidence, something of a star arranger, too.” (James Poore – MusicWeb-International)

“Superb band, admirable charts, persuasive soloists. In the words of Ira Gershwin, who could ask for anything more? Except, that is, for more of the same.” (Jack Bowers – All About Jazz)

“… the Tony Kadleck Big Band is a welcome addition to the genre.” (Don Albert – Artslink.co.za)

“A double header of fun for big band fans.” (George W. Harris – Jazz Weekly)

Longtime friend and colleague Dave Ratajczak passed away at his home last Friday. In addition to being a master percussionist/drummer, Dave was a warm and kind individual, loved and admired by his family, friends and peers. Getting to know and work with Dave for the last 25+ years has been an immense pleasure, and I was honored when he agreed to play on my big band CD. He is an all-time great who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.