The first big band release by the celebrated bassist and composer. It’s very retro but you have to listen carefully and be prepared for some surprises. At times you might think of Oscar Pettiford, but there’s also a great deal of Oliver Nelson – inspired writing as Christian himself says in the interview on page 26. ‘A Taste Of Honey’ sung by Melissa Walker is the pick of the vocal tracks although this is primarily a fine instrumental album with some non cheesy big band writing which is very refreshing, particularly the arrangement of ‘The Shade Of The Cedar Tree’ which dates back to Christian’s small band debut as leader in the 1990s. Big band is not the most unfashionable concept, but leave the notion of what’s fashionable or not to one side and seek this one out.