In This Hid Clearing...

I was looking forward to hearing this version of Lincoln Portrait; I wasn’t familiar with this transcription by W. Beeler, but I had heard the rich bass of Alvin Chea before and thought him an inspired choice…The Gershwin transcription by Donald Hunsberger is generally excellent…I prefer the moments that lean closer to jazz—special kudos to the piano soloist in the first movement and Fox’s performance of “It Ain’t Necessarily So”.

The shorter works leave a mixed impression—the Jacob is pleasant but not his finest work for band; the Grainger pieces are both well played…Unexpectedly, it’s the Stamp piece which titles the disc that may be the highlight. It’s a slow, harmonically interesting work which doesn’t try to be more than it is nor overstay its welcome, and which rewards repeated listens. 
The band is very, very good..."