Mingus-like big-band jazz with modern, youthful attitude and some interesting twists. Electric guitar adds an occasional Knitting Factory touch, and Matt Haimovitz, guest cellist, creates a bouncy modern-classical feel esp. on tracks 5-8. Many tracks have quiet middles, but the faster ones have a nice active pulse and some strong jazz composing.

For more on Matt Haimovitz, check out his album, "Goulash!"

1- Fast and fun. Cool twirling horn lines later on.
2- Fast but a bit subdued? Scattery piano in intro, then some long-toned horn lines. Second half is stronger and a bit funky. Cool swinging horn lines in the closing sequence.
3- Slowish, serious.
4- Faux grande feeling, like a mock opera. Big happy ending.
5- Fast fun jagged avant-garde sound, led by bowed bass.
6- Soft, mid/fast catchy riff, after a slowish grand cello start. Slowly dramatic finish.
7- Cello wailing over cool fast bass. Fast but quiet, sneaky. Builds heft later, into a fun fast romp.
8- Midtempo with a strong aggressive sound; some cool guitar backing early on, too. Aggressive cello soloing.
9- Happy jazz groove, into a mid/fast romp
10- Cool choppy cello/drums duet for 5 minutes, then a slower, sensitive finish.
11- Soft swaying ballad, played straight, midtempo. Nice piano solo.
12- Slowish dramatic intro, into an action-packed fast jazz piece with a spacious slow middle. Good choice for fans of traditional styles.