I'd think this type of ensemble would be a huge kick for all the players. Imagine you're a well-schooled reader and sit down in your section to play charts with a Gil Evans kind of vapor. That's what Swindler has here. The only musician with whom I'm familiar is the startlingly good trumpet/flugelhorn player, Al Hood. He's from Denver, so I assume this is a Mile High City aggregation. The original music touches on all musical corners. Sometimes quirky and offbeat; sometimes lyrical and delicate; and sometimes sheer crazy fun! A number of the 14 players in the band get room for some luscious solo work, and the ensemble playing is crisp and bright. Some of the "odd for jazz" instruments here include euphonium, French horn and bass clarinet. Evans-like? Sure! Or maybe even a hint of creative arranger Billy May! The two evergreens are Miles Davis's "Miles Ahead" and Billy Strayhorn's "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing." Each is a great choice on this type of album because there's so much happening harmonically in both. The same may be said of the entire recording. Betcha the players got a big charge out of the whole thing!