We See Stars

Composer and arranger Jim Olsen brings together a richly textured and snazzily swinging big band which includes top notch soloists such as Bobby Shew/tp, Dick Oatts/sax and John Harmon/key. The eight originals mix toe tapping swing such as on �Illogical Conclusion� with lush ballads such as �Wistful,� with even a touch of modern sounds a la Stravinsky thrown in. A piece such as � Dark Sun� does some exciting work with harmonies, while solos by Shew and Oatts on �Scary Hair� display some exciting solo work. Olsen himself gets some time in the center with a nice flute entreaty on �Shard� while She and Alto close out the album with high five solos on �Running Amok.� Excellent mix of freedom within form.