THE PUGILIST
The production of The Pugilist took place against a backdrop of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic spanning several months during 2021. Unlike the two previous albums, which were recorded live and at Capitol Studios, respectively, The Pugilist was recorded without the band ever playing together at the same time. Instead, each of the 17 musicians recorded their particular parts, including improvised solos, separately in their own home studio setting.
1. The Pugilist 3:49 Composer/Arranger: James McMillen (Baha Pasadena Publishing - ASCAP) Ryan Dragon (Trombone)
2. Running and Jumping 5:05 Composer/Arranger: Andrew Neu (Andrew Neu Music - BMI) Andrew Synowiec: (Guitar), Brian Scanlon (Alto Saxophone), Carl Saunders (Trumpet)
3. Lulu’s Back In Town 3:58 Composers: Al Dubin/Harry Warren, Arranger: Jack Cooper (Warner Bros Inc -Warner Bros Music Div - ASCAP)
Carl Saunders (Trumpet), Rob Lockart (Tenor Saxophone)
4. Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough 4:23 Composer: Michael Jackson, Arranger: James McMillen (Mijac Music - BMI) Andrew Synowiec (Guitar), Kirsten Edkins (Alto Saxophone), James McMillen (Trombone), Tom Luer (Tenor Saxophone), Jeff Bunnell (Trumpet)
5. You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To 5:46 Composer: Cole Porter, Arranger: Dave Richards (Chappell-Co Inc - ASCAP) Andrew Synowiec (Guitar), Brian Scanlon (Alto Saxophone), Bernie Dresel (Tap Dancing)
6. World Premiere 4:50 Composer/Arranger: James McMillen (Baha Pasadena Publishing - ASCAP) Alan Kaplan (Trombone)
7. Positive for the Blues 5:28 Composer/Lyricist/Arranger: Nan Schwartz (Nan Chords Publishing - BMI) Carl Saunders (Vocal)
8. 10or 2oon 3:05 Composer/Arranger: Brian Williams (BariBrian Music Productions - ASCAP) Rob Lockart (Tenor Saxophone - Right), Tom Luer (Tenor Saxophone - Left)
9. Rico’s Rowdy Rhumba 4:30 Composer/Arranger: James McMillen (Baha Pasadena Publishing - ASCAP) Andrew Synowiec (Guitar), Brian Scanlon (Soprano Saxophone)
10. I Got Rhythm 3:41 Composer: George Gershwin, Arranger: James McMillen (WC Music Corp - ASCAP) Kirsten Edkins (Alto Saxophone)
11. La Vie en Rose 3:12 Composer: Edith Piaf/Louiguy (Beuscher Arpege - SACEM), Arranger: Tim Simonec (Warner Music Group - ASCAP) Jamie Hovorka (Trumpet)
12. All Blues 4:51 Composer: Miles Davis, Arranger: Jeff Bunnell (Jazz Horn Music Corporation - BMI) Brian Williams (Baritone Saxophone), Jeff Bunnell (Trumpet)
13. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 5:42 Composer/Arranger: Andrew Neu (Andrew Neu Music - BMI) Carl Saunders (Trumpet), Andrew Synowiec (Guitar)
14. Zomby Woof 5:00 Composer: Frank Zappa, Arranger: Anthony Bonsera (Munchkin Music Co - ASCAP) Anthony Bonsera (Vocals), Rob Lockart (Tenor Saxophone), Andrew Synowiec (Guitar)
Total Time: 63:20
Bernie Dresel: Drums & “Drums”
Djordje Stijepovic: Upright Slap Bass
Andrew Synowiec: Guitars, Electric Bass (14)
Anthony Bonsera: Trumpet (Lead), Keys, Vocals (14)
Dave Richards: Trumpet (Lead)
Jamie Hovorka: Trumpet (Lead)
Jeff Bunnell: Trumpet
Carl Saunders: Trumpet, Vocal (7)
Alan Kaplan: Trombone (Lead)
Ryan Dragon: Trombone
James McMillen: Trombone
Juliane Gralle: Bass Trombone
Brian Scanlon: Alto & Soprano Saxophone (Lead)
Kirsten Edkins: Alto Saxophone
Rob Lockart: Tenor Saxophone
Tom Luer: Tenor Saxophone
Brian Williams: Baritone Saxophone
Bernie Dresel records with AEA microphones & preamps, and plays Craviotto drums, Sabian cymbals, Remo drumheads, Gon Bops percussion, DW hardware, and Vic Firth drumsticks brushes & mallets.