This CD is quite a departure from the big band of the 1940s and the late 20th century ghost hands. playing some old, aver-worked tired arrangements. These renditions are well-conceived recordings of big band classics. but with a new and friendly face. They blend the best traditions of yesteryear with the musical expertise of today. Recording in the 21st century, this is a valid formula and an ideal approach for this genre.
   While Gary Tole is the captain of this ship, he is surrounded by a host of extraordinary musicians. Along with a handsome crew of very capable arrangers. Gary, has handpicked 18 of the top players in Los Angeles, providing considerable versatility. One of the primary strengths of the hand is its superb soloists. Thus are all good albums made. There are main golden moments on this compact disc. Here are a few that deserve special comment.

One Kettle For The Count: Scott Whitfield starts us off cheerfully. Ever none plays with such a powerful sense of control, that this track reflects the true spirit and attitude of the band: play good music and along with the art, have some fun! It's a happy synthesis of sparkling ensemble and tasty. swingin' solos.
 
Pick Up The Pieces: The concept for this one belongs to Gary 'role, bringing the "Sing Sing" and Noise from Winnetka" ideas a few light years from whence they started. Bob Marino's drum work galvanized the rhythm section and oiled the wheels for Don Shelton, Glenn Morrissette and the band. Jennifer Leitham 's work on bass is beautiful!

C-Jam Blues: I've never heard a better or more swinging performance of this tune. It feels like Duke-by-Basie, as the rhythm section is definitely in the pocket. driving the ensemble with a clean incisive swing feel. A great launching pad for some hard driving solos by Bob Remstein, Mike Higgins, Tom Marino, Don Shelton. Scott Whitfield and Glenn Morrissette.

Love For Sale: Kim Richmond's arrangements are always inventive and technically fluent. What a vocal vehicle he gives Cassie Miller. It takes a talented performer to bring it to life, and she is terrific on this one.

I'll Never Smile Again: No syrupy rendition here. It keeps the integrity of the original, and adds a gentle heat in the Basic style. Billy Byers. was one of the greatest arrangers of the 20th Century; what more can I say? Even his ballads say, "Swing's the thing."

Baby It's Cold Outside: An intelligent new treatment that's well conceived, and performed artfully. Roger Neumann contributes for a joyful audio experience.

Breathless:  Dick Lieb's romantic ballad lays down a handsome harmonic carpet for Gary to tread on. Gary outlines the theme in a warm style that for decades, has been much too rarely heard. All the gentleness and sensitivity of the man is expressed in this performance. He reminds us that somewhere along the years, most modern day trombonists have forgotten the sonority and silky smoothness of this instrument.

   At a time when there is so much accent on whining guitars and synthesizers, this presentation is inspiring because of the musical direction it takes. To quote Gary, -The beauty of recording everything live gave us the spontaneity that you don't get otherwise. There were no over-dubs and no "pro-tools"! I wanted to capture the real sound of studio A and the band working together. What you may lose in near-perfect execution. you gain in energy and excitement, and there is never an awareness of working at it: it's just there, genuinely and naturally. Its the truest picture of the band."
   No commentary on this CD would he complete without mentioning the engineering. Recording a big hand in one sitting with no over-dubs is a lost art form. Kudos to Charlie Paakkari!
   This hand can swing with the best of them, and I say that from decades of experience. From the original concept, to the last note of the final record session, the band is true to the spirit and essence of big band jazz. This CD is a rare gift of good taste along with fresh harmonic structures and a marvelous group of soloists, which certainly includes vocalists Cassie Miller and Mike Costley. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.