All of the material on
Pag's Groove except "Never Let Me Go" is by pianist-arranger-composer
Michael Pagan. The big band is conventional and the harmonically advanced writing, although full of subtle surprises, is very much in the modern mainstream. The music swings and features some of the top Colorado-based musicians, 19 of whom have an opportunity to solo, while only
Pagan gets two spots. Best known among the players are trumpeters
Greg Gisbert and
Brad Goode, but all of the musicians sound very much world-class. Fans of modern big bands will want this release since it is filled with fresh material and spirited playing. ~ Scott Yanow