Bill McFarland and The Chicago Horns
"Fire Horns" CD
Sopro Records

The BEAT Magazine
Entertainment News Magazine
Review by: David Alan Buco
Dec/Jan 1995-96

   What this is....is real jazz....the kind of real breathing and living Chicago-style jazz that used to dominate the Windy City scene in decades past.  What this is not, is the so called smooth jazz you tend to hear in shopping centers, doctor's offices and lame radio stations.

       Fire Horns, the exciting and thoroughly ear-pleasing debut album from the much praised Chicago Horns - features trombonist and band leader Bill McFarland, saxophonist Hank Ford, trumpeter Kenny Anderson, pianist/keyboardist Osamu Sam Soda, bassist Mike Staron and drummer Rick Vitek.

       This sextet creates music so aggressive and powerful that at times I am reminded of the Big Band sound of jazz past.  Stan Kenton and his orchestra comes to mind as one example.  Innovative deliveries in the grand and rebellious tradition that made bandleaders like Benny Goodman so great.  McFarland and his jazz men have laid down tracks that spring to life and dance right out of your speakers.

       The songs included on Fire Horns are simultaneously a trip to decades past and a journey into the future of jazz.

       Song like "Harold The Great" and "Mar-Di-Gras" will keep the attention of the swingingest of jazz enthusiasts.  Hats off to band leader Bill McFarland and The Chicago Horns.  In this era of pseudo jazz, it is a wonderful pleasure to hear some real, soul-stirring jazz for a change.

       If I may be so bold, I think that even Chicago jazz radio legend Dick Buckley might be proud of this outing.  Igniting with these Fire Horns is one sure-fire way to warm up the winter. (Rating: 9) (That's 9 out of 10, right?)-(10s are for jazz legends to be named later)

Review by: David Alan Buco