Here cellist and lynchpin of the Chicago scene, Fred Lonberg-Holm, combines two long-running projects: his trio Stirrup featuring bassist Nick Macri and drummer Charles Rumback, and his Lightbox Orchestra, in which he uses a light-based cueing system and cue cards to conduct large-scale, ad hoc improvising ensembles. In effect, the six additional instrumentalists swelling the ranks for this live set recorded at Chicago's Elastic Arts perform the role that Lonberg-Holm's cello might occupy in a typical Stirrup gig, responding in real time to his spontaneous conductions. All seven of the chunky compositions tackled here are based around muscular grooves laid out by Macri's bass and Rumback's drums – offering a smouldering muscularity that may appeal to fans of Mats Gustafsson's Fire! Orchestra.

Moreover, as with Gustafsson's conglomeration, the balance between epic themes and delicate, eggshell extemporisation is carefully maintained, with Lonberg-Holm making full use of the myriad shades at his disposal. Where so many conducted sessions have the excitement ironed out of them when recorded, this one is a keeper.