Pete McCann

Artist Information

Biography

Biography
Jazz guitarist Pete McCann has been an integral part of the New York City scene for 20 years. He currently leads an exciting new group of New York's finest jazz artists on his latest CD, Extra Mile, on Nineteen-Eight Records. McCann's other releases, Most Folks, You Remind Me of Someone, Parable, have been widely praised by top jazz critics.

McCann is one of the first-call sidemen in New York. He works in several groups including the Patti Austin band, Lee Konitz Nonet, Chris Tarry Quintet, New York Nonet, Dan Willis Sextet, JD Walter Trio, and Alison Wedding's group. Pete has performed with some of the greats in jazz: Kenny Wheeler, Dave Liebman, Lee Konitz, Kenny Garrett, Peter Erskine, Gary Thomas, Greg Osby, Brian Blade, and the Maria Schneider Orchestra. He has appeared on over 50 CDs including:
Almost Certainly Dreaming, Chris Tarry group; I Think It's Going To Rain Today, Curtis Stigers; The Other Side of Ellington, The Palmetto All-Stars; Standard Wonder (The Music of Stevie Wonder), Dave Pietro; Round 'Bout Now, George Schuller; and Phase 2, Mahavishnu Project.

Pete's playing encompasses a wide variety of musical styles and genres -- Straight-ahead, Post-Bop, Avant-Garde, Latin, Jazz-Rock Fusion. He has performed throughout the US, Canada and Europe from clubs to jazz festivals, musicals, award shows, and even an opera.

Educator
McCann received his Bachelors of Music from the University of North Texas in 1989. He also studied at the prestigious Banff School of the Arts in 1988. Pete is an adjunct faculty guitar teacher at The New School and City College in New York City. He also teaches at the NYU Summer Guitar Intensive, and the Maine Jazz Camp.

Instrumentation

Pete McCann - guitar
John O'Gallagher - sax
Henry Hery - piano
Matt Clohesy - bass
Mark Ferber - drums

Discography

Extra Mile, Nineteen-Eight Records 1010
Most Folks, Omnitone Records 15213
Parable, Palmetto Records PM 2041
You Remind Me of Someone, Palmetto Records PM 2066

Official Website

http://www.petemccann.com

Links

• Nineteen-Eight Records
• Fully Altered Media
• YouTube
• MySpace

Audio

• Fielder's Choice
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• Isosceles
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• Stasis
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• Extra Mile
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• Angry Panda
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• Tributary
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• Pi
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• Hybrid
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• Lonesome Prairie Dog
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• Rhodes Less Traveled
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Video

Angry Panda from 'Extra Mile'

Photo Gallery

Press

• Jazz Times, October 2009 [+ Show ]
  

  On this excellent outing, guitarist-composer Pete McCann fronts an interactive crew including drumme...On this excellent outing, guitarist-composer Pete McCann fronts an interactive crew including drummer Mark Ferber and keyboardist Henry Hey. From the lyrical, breezy opener “Fielder’s Choice” to the urgently angular “Isosceles,” the wildly cathartic “Stasis” and the darkly probing title track, McCann explores a wide range of six-string expression with authority. “Angry Panda” sounds borrowed from the Mahavishnu Orchestra songbook while the intricate, polyrhythmic workout “Hybrid” sounds like John Scofield jamming with Steve Coleman’s Five Elements. Add the noirish, Frisell-ian waltz “Lonesome Prairie Dog” and guitar fans have plenty to savor here.

• Village Voice, July 2009 [+ Show ]
  

  Rock 'n' roll shredding helps pour the concrete for some jazz architecture on the guitarist's new Ex...Rock 'n' roll shredding helps pour the concrete for some jazz architecture on the guitarist's new Extra Mile, and it's nice to hear the two working in cahoots. McCann's tunes can be both manic and vivid, even when they're in ballad mode. That gives his stuff a cinematic feel—from car chase squall to closing credits poignancy, you often feel like you're walking through a film when this quintet hits its stride.

• All About Jazz, August 2009 [+ Show ]
  

  Pete McCann may be a kind of a guitar superman, considering his work with bands led by Patti Austin,...Pete McCann may be a kind of a guitar superman, considering his work with bands led by Patti Austin, Lee Konitz, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Liebman, Kenny Garrett, Peter Erskine, Gary Thomas, Greg Osby, Brian Blade and Maria Schneider.
  Since moving to New York in 1989, McCann has lent his skills to these diverse leaders, which shows his chameleon-like approach. He is equally comfortable playing pre- and post-bop jazz, as well as electric fusion, acoustic, Latin and rock—all of which are on display on his fourth solo album, Extra Mile.
  After the seemingly effortless gentle swing of the opening "Fielder's Choice," McCann opens up his suitcase of sounds, playing Stevie Ray Vaughn-inspired licks juxtaposed against some spry acoustic wanderings. Each original composition on the release reveals more of McCann's many facets, none of which could have been accomplished without the support given by bassist Matt Clohesy and drummer Mark Ferber. Their glue holds the diverse meanderings together.
  Employing guest players—such as saxophonist John O'Gallagher and pianist Henry Hey—allows McCann to branch in multiple directions. O'Gallagher walks lock step on the imperturbable title track and the burning blues of "Isosceles." Like McCann, the saxophonist has an eclectic ear, with far-ranging tastes but is never scattershot in his approach.
  Hey shines throughout, but on "Rhodes Less Traveled" he is allowed to stretch out on the electric piano as McCann absolutely sizzles on guitar. Other stellar tracks include the fine guitar/bass acoustic duet "Pi," the retro-jazz-rock of "Angry Panda," and the urgent and very memorable Weather Report-electricity of "Stasis."
  Pete McCann may try to fly under the radar, but his powers as a superhero guitarist are certainly revealed on this exceptional album.
  

Setlist

A typical set includes several originals from my 4 CDs, as well as jazz standards.

Basic Requirements

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