Lead by educator and saxist Curt Hanrahan, the Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra is a 20 piece team that keeps the tradition of hard hitting swing alive on this collection of seven songs recorded in concert. The leader brings his own boppy “IMP” to the front as he plays a wicked soprano to the driving beat while guitarist Steve Lewandowski’s “Jocko” has some infectious Latin work and section give and take to surround his own rich solos. The rhythm sections sizzles with Tim Hanrahan’s bass on “Caravan” while the band gets modern and funky with Jim Sadke’s keyboards on a funky read of Charlie Parker’s “Blues In C.” The sections are bright and booming, socking a punch like a heavyweight. Lots of fun!