(MCG Jazz)

On For The Moment, Bob Mintzer channels the sounds and energy of Brazil into his big band setting. Recorded live at the Manchester Craftsmen Guild in Pittsburgh, this is a power-packed set of music. Mintzer brought in guitarist/vocalist Chico Pinheiro to create a number of tunes, while nicely covering  a couple of others, including a composition made famous by Antonio Carlos Jobim. The saxophonist also assembled a stellar group of talents on this project, including guests like saxophonist Bob Malach, pianist Russell Ferrante, drummer Peter Erskine and percussionist Alex Acuña. The band of mostly New York-based horn players really soars and moves quite nicely easily throughout the selections. This is a big band record with heart and soul.