TIM FITZGERALD – “TIM FITZGERALD’S FULL HOUSE” – Cellar 20 Music Group
Tim Fitzgerald is a Chicago-based guitarist and bandleader. For more than two decades, Tim has studied, transcribed and been inspired by the work of Wes Montgomery. Tim and his group even borrowed the name for his band, “Full House,” from a Montgomery composition. The band and their incredible arrangements do not disappoint! They open with “S.O.S,” arranged by trumpeter, Victor Garcia. They perform this Straight-ahead Montgomery tune with zest and vigor. Over the years I have enjoyed a number of Chicago musicians who always bring energy and excitement to the bandstand. After all, Chicago has spawned legendary talent like Nat King Cole, Herbie Hancock, Bud Freeman, Benny Goodman, Gene Ammons, Ramsey Lewis and a host of guitar greats and blues icons like Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamsons, Muddy Waters and Junior Wells. Now, Tim Fitzgerald joins the brigade. George Fludas opens their first arrangement with a flurry of drum sticks that solidly set the tempo in place. Fitzgerald’s solo is a stream of improvisational runs that settle into a groove supported by the rich harmonies of the horn section. These guys really swing. I’m intoxicated by their music. Each horn players steps dynamically into the spotlight and you get to know Victor Garcia on trumpet, Greg Ward on alto sax, and Chris Madsen on tenor. Tom Vaitsas soaks up the spotlight on piano and absolutely matches the energy of Full House on the eighty-eight keys. The drummer also takes every opportunity to show off his percussive skills. You will be properly pumped up after listening to Time Fitzgerald’s Full House ensemble. Tim has arranged the Montgomery favorite, “Four on Six” and I enjoy his technique and smooth, fluid guitar playing. All ten songs celebrate the composing skill of the icon, Wes Montgomery, but also act as a stage for these Mid-western musicians to shine. The group was founded in 2015 and their main goal has been to carry-on the Wes Montgomery legacy. The drummer, George Fludas, had a direct connection to the legendary guitarist. He was a former sideman with Buddy Montgomery, a brother of Wes. On “Far Wes” you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy Christian Dillingham’s melodic double bass solo.
“This record is a love letter to Wes. I knew I didn’t want to sound like West,” Tim pauses. “Not that I ever could. But I knew I wanted to get close to his music and eventually take that inspiration and do my own thing.”
Mission accomplished! Every tune on this recording is packed with punch and creativity. Not only will you admire and appreciate their reimagining of Wes Montgomery’s tunes, but you will relish these tight arrangements and excellent musicianship. I hope that Tim Fitzgerald’s Full House septet gets on ‘the road’ and lets more people hear and enjoy their brilliance.