Take a Look Inside - Mark Bettcher

Take a Look Inside
Mark Bettcher

I first heard Mark’s work through friend and fellow musician Scott Bliege. Scott and Mark worked together in the Chicago area and ultimately ended up touring with Phil Collins in his horn section. Mark Bettcher is not only a fine trombonist; he is a prolific writer, composer, and singer. When I received TAKE A LOOK INSIDE, I expected mostly trombone work, and instead was truly delighted with Mark’s unique singing of his own compositions! His writing is brilliant, witty, engaging, and thought provoking. Mark’s trombone work ends up being the icing on this cake as he skillfully plays his jazz choruses with a beautiful sound. But Mark did not make this CD alone. He is joined by a terrific band, and you will enjoy each and every player on this album. I am especially impressed with saxophonist John Wojciechowski, who breathes new life into the standards here, and seems to have fresh ideas for every chorus he takes on Mark’s originals. The rhythm section can play loose and aloof, straight ahead, or locked into a Fatback groove that will have you on your feet.

Beautifully recorded by Steve Weeder in Chicago, this album will make many return plays on your CD changer. I have played FIDELITY DUDE and JAZZ CAT for everybody who asks me, “What’s new?”

Mark Bettcher will be around for a long time with great music and quality work like this.
Give him a listen.

Charlie Bertini

Musicians:

MARK BETTCHER leader, vocals, trombone
TITO CARRILLO trumpet
JOHN WOJCIECHOWSKI saxophones, flute
LARRY HARRIS piano
LARRY KOHUT bass
TOM HIPSKIND drums
MATT AGNEW cello (‘Round Midnight)

Record Label: Mark Bettcher Records
Catalog # MB2005

Produced by Mark Bettcher
Recorded at Hinge Recording Studio

PRICE: $15

1) IT DON’T MEAN A THING 3:45
(Ellington, Mills)
2) MIDLIFE CRISIS 4:34
(Bettcher)
3) ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT 7:18
(Monk)
4) CLASSIFIEDS 5:31
(Bettcher)
5) IN NAME ONLY 7:20
(Bettcher)
6) JAZZ CAT 5:25
(Bettcher)
7) FIDELITY DUDE 4:37
(Bettcher)
8) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE 5:29
(Bettcher)
9) THE NEARNESS OF YOU 4:14
(Washington, Carmichael)

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