Pony Boy All-Star Big Band goes for a bombastic, cinematic scope with the gigantic “This Is Now.” Jazz is done with such justice; the interplay here feels fantastic. Everything here features a degree of care, done with the right swing. From the gorgeous horn section to the spry percussion, there’s a skill on display here that is genuinely awesome. They do it all well – from the breakneck speed to the languid reflective tunes, they are done with such care.
“Harrod’s Creek” starts with a fantastic kick, as the horns create a conversational tone. Doubling down on the sheer energy is the jittery, caffeine-fueled groove of “Sabermetric Samba.” Documenting the ups and downs of a century is the reflective “21st Century,” where the energy shifts are a true delight, making it the highlight of the album. Going a little wild is the slightly unhinged gallop of “Mr. X.” Meditative and subdued is the mellowed atmosphere of “Inlet,” where a pastoral, natural flow emerges. Great upright bass anchors “I Fall In Love Too Easily,” where the song’s low end feels downright reassuring. On “Geo Rose,” they sprawl out with a luxurious, driving rhythm that becomes endless. A celebration closes the album with the togetherness of “Bahia.”
“This Is Now” shows the Pony Boy All-Star Big Band’s careful, considered stance in delving into a gorgeous stream of consciousness, with moments that linger with the listener long after the music ends.
