I met Tony Glausi in 2012 playing in the Jazz Band of America in Indianapolis. Back then he blew me away with his musicianship and dedication to his craft, and 5 years later, BAD BOY is a testament to Tony’s ever-evolving artistry. The musicians on this recording play with fire, precision and imagination beyond their years, and the recording perfectly captures the excitement of hearing this band in person. Any one jaded about the state of modern jazz will surely have their faith restored in the art form after listening to this outstanding live set of inspired compositions. "In the Beginning" opens the record with suspense as an intricate head reminiscent of Wynton Marsalis’s early records breaks into an extended Glausi solo that unfolds in dramatic and compelling fashion. "As Night Becomes Day" explodes off the disc with a torrent of triplets that breaks into a ferocious swing section. John’s solo recalls Cannonball Adderley at his peak. With a melody reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol’s "Caravan", "Bad Boy" is the title track for good reason; it never loses its subdued flame over its almost 12 minute length. The interplay between Greg and Tony on "Sour Apples" represents conversational soloing at its best. The mood turns sour and dark at the beginning of the tenor solo, but never out of lack of nasty swing feel. Tony’s tone on "Grey Skies" is as wide and open as a cloudless sky. John delivers a gut-wrenching, blues-drenched tenor solo that prompts an enthusiastic response from the crowd. It’s hard to forget the absolutely blistering tempo of "Boobop", which might remind listeners of the soundtrack to Tom and Jerry. The horns execute the melody flawlessly and the rhythm section sounds as if they were born playing at 400 beats per minute. The album closes with "Some Blues", a spontaneously composed blues that highlights all the members of the band with solos that are equal parts funk, bombast, and restraint. This band has delivered what is surely one of the most exciting quintet records of 2017. Tony Glausi is one bad boy on the trumpet and will be a force on the jazz scene to be reckoned with for years to come. --Chris McCarthy Creative Director, Rent Party Records CREDITS Tony Glausi, trumpet & flugelhorn John Nastos, alto & tenor saxophone Greg Goebel, piano Dylan Sundstrom, acoustic bass Chris Brown, drums All music composed and arranged by Tony Glausi except track 5, composed by Matt Hettwer. Recorded by Lance Miller live at The Jazz Station in Eugene, OR on April 14, 2017. Mixing and mastering also by Lance Miller. Album art by Hery Paz. Graphic Design by Julia Glausi. Produced by Tony Glausi. Released on Rent Party Records. A huge thank you to Abraham Luedtke, Jack Viscardi, Mike Meyer, Janine Etherington, Peter Thompson, Carma Glausi, Charlie Wical, Cindy Helmick, Marilyn & Rich Linton, Paula & David Pottinger, Shelly Lyman, and Matt Shapiro for donating to make this album possible. Extra special thanks to the following patrons on Patreon for their ongoing support: Carma & Wallace Glausi, Paul Roth, Mike Meyer, Andy Armer, and Peter Thompson. Visit patreon.com/tonyglausi for information about getting involved.