You know that the world is changing when hot big band jazz is coming out of Western Michigan. What is next? Upper U?
Anyway, the band is directed by Tom Knific, and he’s worked with some heavy hitters like Randy Brecker, Dave Brubeck and Fred Hersch. Two of the six tunes on this release are John Clayton compositions, and both have a fun and swinging Basie feel; “Blues For Stephanie” steadily grooves along with solos by Bryan Blowers/g, Jon Ailabouni/tp and Mark Niskanen/p. A richly harmonic take of Tim Hagans’ “Passing Giants” once again features Ailabouni, while the hard hitting “Spring Fever” lets some sparks fly with a cooking rhythm team including Andrew Rose/b and Christian Euman/dr. This band sounds like vintage 70s Pablo era Basie, with some impressive chops by young hearts. Gonna like it!