Excalibur

I love this music!!!! I downloaded Steve's new album and have listened to it a number of times since. It's an incredible body of work including edgy and innovative Big Band pieces (all written and/or arranged by Steve), a very competent and exciting band, and, of course, Steve's fabulous trombone soloing. I got to know Steve's amazing playing through his work on the Maynard Ferguson band. If you are a modern day Big Band fan, you will not be disappointed with this album. Rather, you will listen to it over and over again. To me, this album is almost a suite of ideas that move easily from one to the next. As a professional musician, its tough to find an album where you can hear new things every time you listen. I liked every tune! Congratulations, Steve, on breaking through the clutter with a true gift for Big Band jazz enthusiasts!

Steve Wiest's new album is superb. Most of the music is arranged by Wiest himself and features his brain-melting solos. The closing song "On Green Dolphin Street" is a shining example of his musicality, as well as his arranging ability. This album is a must buy for the most serious of trombonists and jazz musicians.

I have been a Jazz fan for 30 plus years and I am always excited to hear great Jazz and this album fits that description better than most! Steve Wiest is a GREAT Trombonist and it shows on this album as he plays solo on every chart. Speaking of charts, every one of the charts on this album were also composed and/or arranged by Steve and every one is impeccable! I know I will be sharing this album with my College students in ALL my music classes but especially my Jazz classes for years to come. It is hard to pick a favorite from so many fine arrangements, but I was especially blown away by The Title cut "Excalibur" for its sheer depth and breadth of musical passion and Steve's typical GREAT SOLO! Every Jazz collection should contain this album - GREAT JOB Steve!!