Although the 11 songs on this CD (with the exception of a very brief tribute to
Miles Davis on "Summertime," which is the second half of a medley) were written in the 1920s, the arrangements are very much in the style of
Rob McConnell, who wrote all but one chart. The music is conservative yet swinging and unpredictable. "Lover Come Back to Me" is particularly eccentric with its many tempo and mood changes, but in reality none of these performances are run-of-the-mill or overly safe.
Rob McConnell drew the group's personnel from his
Boss Brass and each of the musicians has his chance to shine. In fact, all ten musicians get a spot on "Thou Swell" in addition to other features. Since the tentet consists of some of the finest jazz players in Canada and the arrangements are inspiring, this is a highly recommended straight-ahead jazz set. ~ Scott Yanow