thrilled listeners with 2021's topical , his debut for 's with the . A composer, conductor, and arranger, continues to meld his musical passions -- from samba, flamenco, and tango to jazz, rock, R&B, and pop -- on , a reunion with the Dutch , the only full-time jazz and pop orchestra in the world. Affiliated since 1995, served as chief conductor between 1995 and 2004; he is currently one of three. offers new performances of compositions wrote over the years. He also enlisted guest soloists including singers and , saxophonists , percussionist , and late guitarist (playing charango). Opener "Quixote" rushes in with its M.O. at full syncopated power. layers in a short percussion break from , then underscores 's solo soprano sax with dramatic orchestral support. "Esperanto" is a vocal version of "Esperanca," from 1997's . It is loosely inspired by 's Book of Questions with lyrics by . 's slow-building chart takes full advantage of ' multi-octave range and her vocalese command over a large ensemble. She sings and chants, wedding folk melody and Brazilian rhythms with brass and the Black sacred vocal tradition. "House of Reflections" is a showcase for . An elegant ballad co-written by and British jazz vocal icon , it was composed in tribute to late trumpet great . Strings and winds paint a dreamy, gauzy frame for the singer, while ' intuitive pianism supports her warmly, soulfully delivered lines. "Miracle Child" opens with ' bluesy electric guitar soloing; reeds, winds, and strings then add textural dimension. Vibes, glockenspiel, drum kit, and double bass join next before the orchestra begins stitching contemporary post-bop and classical impressionism in a panorama of color and drama before 's emotive alto solo brings it back to earth and guides it home. "Big Night" is set to a fingerpopping hard bop tempo, it offers big, fat brass, swirling strings and swooping winds framed by funky bass and drums. 's harmonic melody is infectious enough to hum along with and offers fine solos by tenor saxophonist . "Lake Fire" is a big-band extravaganza, full or propulsive force, shifting dynamics, complex colors, and adventurous timbres. It features a fire-breathing tenor solo from . "Barcelona" is a showcase for 's brand of 21st century progressive big band. The inherent swing in the textured, layered dynamics is accomplished by juxtaposing intricate lines for brass, winds, and reeds simultaneously, and buoying them with soaring strings countered by a breaking snare and funky bass. Tenor saxophonist adds heft and ballast to the tune's post-bop drama with his solo. Closer "Bright Lights and Jubilations" was recorded live. It evidences the reach, imagination, and sophistication of this continued collaboration with driving swing, rocking blues, and elegant R&B, making almost peerless in quality and vision. ~ Thom Jurek