This is an unusual project by Hersog, a Canadian trumpeter, composer and arranger who is also that rarity, the leader of a contemporary big band. For this, his sophomore release, he’s collected some of his favourite folk melodies - with an understanding that ‘folk’ is a genre encompassing everything from timeless traditional melodies to the likes of Bob Dylan and The Tragically Hip (they’re huge in Canada, people) and used them as the basis for a festively hip contemporary big band album that isn’t afraid to be square when occasion demands.

Hersog uses the melodies as platforms upon which to construct all kinds of elaborate musical edifices: you can hear nods to Gil Evans in the massed woodwinds and sombre brass, and to Carla Bley and Maria Schneider in some of the complexities of ‘I Hear’ (which takes in straight swing, free blowing, and episodes of Weimar-era oompah) all delivered impeccably by a truly outstanding ensemble that can handle musical freedom just as readily as the tightest, most subtly nuanced arrangement.

A highlight is the delicately handled exploration of ‘Shenandoah’ with Scott Robinson’s wonderfully articulate baritone sax imbuing the familiar melody with genuine emotion, before Hersog’s sympathtically conceived arrangement widens the scope. Star soloists Noah Preminger and Kurt Rosenwinkel get plenty of space to elevate proceedings with their own distinctive voices, and the generous song lengths make space for countless other diversions: there’s room for bassist Kim Cass to wow us with his chops on ‘Rentrer’, and for some mighty trumpet soloing on ‘Sarracenia Purpurea’, and even a manly vocal chorus on ‘Red River Valley’. A very impressive achievement that may contain an even stronger appeal for its home audience.