“One of the highpoints of the CD is “Steamboatin.’” The muted brass recalls early Duke Ellington, drum breaks interact with the ensembles, there are swinging solos from Whitman and Simenson, and the ensemble writing is masterful. “Mastodon” musically depicts the lumbering movements of a giant (and fortunately extinct) mammal. Trombonist Matt Hanzelka’s playing adds to the eerie and mysterious mood. “Pete’s Waltz” starts out as a light-hearted jazz waltz but becomes darker the longer the piece develops. “Big Alpaca” has a stop-time figure played by bassist Chris Bates that sets the stage for solos by trombonist Ryan Christianson and Simenson. This memorable set concludes with the mournful ballad “Might Have Been,” the ensemble-oriented “Titanium,” and the all-too-brief “Jerry’s Chaser (with tenor-saxophonist Scott Johnson).

Fans of modern big band writing and exciting ensembles will find much to enjoy on Bill Simenson’s Big Alpaca. The musicians are top-notch and the writing is world class. Highly recommended.” -Scott Yanow