ALBUM REVIEWS

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(Latest Recording) PETER HAND BIG BAND - HAND PAINTED DREAM (Savant Records)

“Peter Hand has once again assembled an impressive group of East coast session musicians.. the music is tastefully orchestrated, skillfully selected and marvelously played.” NOTES ON JAZZ, by Ralph A. Miriello (Click for full review)

“Following on from their 2014 release Out Of Hand showcasing saxophonist Houston Person, the Peter Hand Big Band are back with yet another mesmerizing compilation of originals and well-known covers,” JAZZ JOURNAL (UK) by Thomas Fletcher (Click for full review) 

“On Peter’s latest creation, Hand Painted Dream, the caliber of the musicians remains high, and the bar is raised with the addition of a Downbeat “Rising Star” and a string quartet”..“a truly exhilarating listening experience.” Maureen Malloy, WRTI-FM, Philadelphia (Click for full review)

“Hand knows how to deploy his resources in ways that endow each of the tracks with its own unique voice, including his guitar improvisation for his own ‘Once Upon a Time,’ whose retrospection includes a reference to Thelonious Monk’s ‘Round Midnight’”  THE REHEARSAL STUDIO by Stephen Smoliar (Click for full review)

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REVIEWS FOR OUT OF HAND

Peter Hand’s latest album is cause for celebration for fans of traditional big bands. The guitarist/bandleader/arranger recorded Out Of Hand with his namesake 16-piece big band, plus special guest Houston Person, who plays tenor on three of the nine tracks. The program consists of five Hand originals and four interpretations.

When Hand arranges outside material for the band, he masterfully adds a new dimension to it. A fresh arrangement of the Gershwins’ “Summertime” is in 6/4 and includes a killer trumpet solo by Eddie Allen. The version of Bobby Hebb’s 1966 pop hit “Sunny” features clever horn charts and is bolstered by Person’s improvisational flights. Person’s gorgeous, fat tenor tone also enhances a romantic reading of the Duke Ellington-Billy Strayhorn song “Day Dream.”

Hand and Person demonstrated their love of composer Harold Arlen on the live 2009 tribute disc The Wizard Of Jazz (Savant), and here they interpret Arlen’s “Blues In The Night.” When the tenor man cuts loose with a muscular, melodic solo, it’s clear that at age 79 he’s still playing at a very high level. Hand’s guitar solos are tasteful and restrained throughout, showcasing his fluid style with vibrant runs and compelling conversations with his bandmates. The original material includes the Latin-flavored “Night Echo” and the uptempo swing number “The Elevator,” fueled by a cookin’ tenor sax solo by Ralph Lalama. ————————————————————————————

JAZZ JOURNAL (UK) APRIL 2015 BY MARK GARDNER

PETER HAND - OUT OF HAND (Savant Records) ★★★★★ (5 stars)

Big bands supposedly died decades ago. Certainly the touring variety vanished for economic reasons, yet the attraction of a large ensemble survives in rehearsal bands, where musicians come together, largely for kicks, because they savor the unity of expression that is the nature of an expansive ensemble. Peter Hand, a most able guitarist, has put together a splendid 16-piece unit which upholds the spirit and history of the genre…. Out Of Hand fully merits a five-star rating and will be a strong contender for record of the year honours.

(Click For Full Review) ————————————————————————————

JAZZ & BLUES REPORT MARCH/APRIL 2015 BY RON WEINSTOCK

PETER HAND BIG BAND - OUT OF HAND  (SAVANT)

The Peter Hand Big Band returns with a new studio recording, also on Savant, Out of Hand. .. Again, Houston Person is present (on three selections) - Person’s warm, rich tone and the melodic quality of his improvisations are set against Hand’s wonderful arrangements, as well as his own clean, crisp guitar. (Click For Full Review) ————————————————————————————

AUDIOPHILE AUDITION DECEMBER 2014 BY PIERRE GIROUX

PETER HAND BIG BAND - OUT OF HAND - SAVANT An imaginative showcase of big band music coupled with a master class in the tenor sax by Houston Person.

Peter Hand dealt himself a strong hand when he arranged to have tenor saxophonist Houston Person give a master class on the instrument on three tracks of his newest release Peter Hand Big Band – Out Of Hand. A terrific follow up to the band’s critically acclaimed first recording – The Wizard of Jazz: A Tribute To Harold Arlen. (Click For Full Review) ——————————————————————————————————————

REVIEWS FOR THE WIZARD OF JAZZ: A TRIBUTE TO HAROLD ARLEN

Savant Records’ decision to record a live tribute to noted American song book composer, Harold Arlen, on the 100th anniversary of his birth, is a winning idea. The composer who wrote such well known standards as "Come Rain or Come Shine," "Ill Wind," "Stormy Weather," and "Over the Rainbow" (just to name a few), certainly has been honored before. However, to assemble a dream big band helped ensure the success of this endeavor.  (Click For Full Review) ——————————————————————————————————

JAZZ & BLUES REPORT   JANUARY 2010 BY RON WEINSTOCK

THE PETER HAND BIG BAND FEATURING HOUSTON PERSON The Wizard of Jazz: A Tribute To Harold Arlen (Savant Records) 

Guitarist Peter Hand has years of performing and writing experience, and in more recent years put together several larger ensembles, including his big band that has a notable roster of players including saxophonists, Kenny Berger, Don Braden, Ralph Lalama, Mike Migliore; Trumpeters and flugelhornists Cecil Bridgewater, Valery Ponamarev, Jim Rotondi; and pianist Richard Wyands, to name some of the more recognizable names. (Click For Full Review) ——————————————————————————————————

(FROM ADDITIONAL REVIEWS): THE WIZARD OF JAZZ

“One of our top 2009 Traditional Jazz Golden Selections” “….upbeat and energy packed”  “…the Wizard of Jazz swings with a jovial spirit.” (Rated “5” for performance – highest rating) O’s Place Jazz Magazine – D. Oscar Groomes, 2010

“...this is an all-star band, and there are admirable statements along the way by guitarist Hand” “... tasteful tribute by the New York-based Peter Hand Big Band” All About Jazz – Jack Bowers, 2009

“…inspired voicings for the brass and reeds.” “...potent writing for the horns...” Billboard/All Music Guide  – Ken Dryden, 2009

"...compelling writing and execution for a large orchestra.. A highly recommended recording." Cuadernos De Jazz (Journal of Jazz, Spain) - Frederico Garcia Herraiz, 2010 

“..Talented guitarist and arranger Peter Hand and wonderful band members Don Braden, Ralph Lalama, Richard Wyands and Harvie S come together”  “The arrangements are very modern, thoroughly enjoyable” Catfish Records (Japan) 2010 ————————————————————————————————-

ALBUM REVIEW (Peter Hand appears as a sideman)

HOW LITTLE WE KNOW- JEFF HACKWORTH (Big Bridge Music)

“Guitarist Peter Hand joins the core group on several cuts, and the ensemble plays wonderfully together, providing an energetic backdrop for their session leader....Hand also shines here in support; I am especially enamored of the tunes the guitarist appears on.”  JazzChicago.net – Brad Walseth, 2007

“Hand’s guitar is full and rounded, comfortable in the groove of the melody. He extends the harmony a tad, his approach sitting in well with the whole” All About Jazz - Jerry D'Souza, 2007

“..highlights belong to the accompanying musicians: guitarist Hand’s solo on 'This Is Always'.” JazzTimes, 2007 ——————————————————————————————————————