John Hollenbeck is one of the rare artists who has mastered the tradition of big band composition while crossing aesthetic borders. His music is a daring mix of pure, heart-on-sleeve lyricism and robust rhythmic propulsion, and an audacious example of the power of big band jazz to express emotions well beyond swing-era clichés. The Ensemble is acclaimed for its rich, panoramic orchestral textures that retain the power of its members’ individual voices. Hollenbeck’s 20-piece ensemble consists of top musicians. Among its ranks are regular Hollenbeck bandmates Matt Mitchell of Claudia Quintet and Theo Bleckmann of Refuge Trio, as well as featured players including saxophonist Tony Malaby, trombonist Jacob Garchik and bassist Kermit Driscoll.