This is our first experience with Gordon's wonderful big-band sound, but it won't be the last, I'm sure. Lee's keyboards are highlighted, naturally, but the rest of the 16-piece group is able to show off their talent in a very balanced way! The kinda' jazz you used to hear... the recording is excellent, & captures the pure & joyful energy of Gordon's compositions in a fashion that will make this one of your favorite albums of the year (& for some years to come, as well). Some of the "big-band" albums I've listened to through the years tend to get so tied down in what they think they're "supposed to play" that your ears are unable to distinguish them from the other 50 bands like them. That's not true at all with Lee's songs... just when you think the song is slipping into something "standard", a sax, or a horn perhaps, bust all your preconceptions loose... stunning & inspiring for jazz listeners of all persuasions. This is one of the most enjoyable listens I've had in about 5 years (& that's saying something significant, 'coz I've listened to a lot of music in the last 5). This is a definite KEEPER, & gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from our highly jazzified ears!