MUSIC REVIEW BY George W Harris, Jazz Weekly
Pianist and keyboardist Geoff Stradling puts together a big band for his crisp and warm arrangements of mostly originals, almost all with an alluring Latin feel. The rhythm section of drums, congas, bongos, shakers and you name it create a percolating undercurrent for the whole affair. Joe DeLeon's timbales sizzle on the festive "Habanero" and a read of "Poinciana" hums to Tom Luer's alto. The sax section wails with soprano saxist Kirsten Edkins on "Wrap Party" while the leader gets nice and bluesy for the big and bold "Blue Note". Most fun is the tricky lines of " Nimble Digits" with trombonist Scott Whitfield working the obstacle course with aplomb. Fresh coats of paint.
