RICH WILLEY

LAID BACK VOL. 1

Boptism Music

Rich Willey, trumpet/tuba; Paul Mutzabaugh, piano/keyboard/B3 Organ; Chuck Webb, electric & upright bass; Felton Offard, elec. & acoustic guitars; Charles heath, drums; Rich Trelease, percussion; Carey Deadman, trumpet; Jim Gaillorato, flute/soprano & alto sax; John Swana, EVI; Geof Bradfield, tenor sax; Steve Duncan, trombone/bass trombone.

Trumpeter and band leader, Rich Willey, features EVI player, John Swana on his “Laid Back Vol. 1” 2026 album release.  Willey’s goal was to create a platform that would feature Swana’s artistry on the Electronic Valve Instrument, along with music that was danceable and full of joy. Their first tune, featuring Willey’s jazz reggae arrangement is called, “Laid Back (Night Life).”  It definitely made me want to dance. Paul Mutzabaugh adds spice to the arrangement on his piano and Swana solos brightly on his EVI instrument.

Rich Willey was a member of Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau band in 2001. He also toured regularly with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra from 2002 to 2007.  He’s released several albums, including those recorded by his Boptism Big Band and his Boptism Funk Band. As a prolific writer and educator, he has also authored over forty books including topics such as sightreading, jazz improvisation and embouchure development.

On their tune, “Relax and Take It Easy” Steve Duncan brings his sweet trombone tones to the party.  The drums of Charles Heath pump the music along at a slow groove that represents the tune’s title. On this arrangement, Rich Willey spotlights his trumpet innovation during a bright solo. Even though the tempo is slow and ‘laid back,’ the musicians play it with energy and show their funky side.  There’s a touch of blues in this composition by Willey.  By the way, he has composed every tune on this album.

The song “Long Lost Brothers” is arranged in a Latin style, and a tune he calls “Ladies First” sounds very contemporary. They pick up the pace on “That’s My Little Girl” with woodwind player, Jim Gailloreto showing off his alto saxophone chops.

When it comes to style, this album has a little bit of everything from contemporary jazz, to Latin arrangements, bits of the blues, and reggae influenced jazz.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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