XXL - Goodwin, Gordon (CD 2003)

These guys play with flames coming out of their horns. With the hottest LA studio guys and smoking arrangements, all this band's CDs are well worth the money. Goodwin's association with Hollywood is evident and not a bad thing at all (heard the soundtrack from the Incredibles, lately?). Although there is the occasional tip of the hat to the "old guard" Miller, Ellington, etc) this is fresh new, stuff. Finally a big band that does not feel the need to pay homage to the past and takes the big band set-up in a newer direction. I don't feel the need to thank Henry Ford each time I get in my car and it is not necessary to acknowledge or emulate the old guys every time you put 17 people on stage. It's the 21st century, those guys are long dead and it's time to move on, which Goodwin has nailed. The quality of the recording is also great with tons of dynamic range and all the voices out front when you need to hear them.