Face
Released 2009
“The eleven-member light ensemble, the brainchild of guitarist/composer/bandleader Jade Synstelien, taps into America’s rich musical heritage, breathing life into the swing music of the past, albeit with a decidedly modern touch. Synstelien’s music fuses the classic Duke Ellington / Count Basie big band styles with a more progressive approach, keeping the swing alive and the bop grooving, propelled by melody-driven charts and a host of superb soloists.
“Face is arguably the best of the three Fat Cat Big Band recordings and Jade Synstelien’s finest production to date. Offering a bit of swing and swagger, Synstelien’s Fat Cat Big Band is poised to change the face of today’s big band sound, where the creative energy of this outing is bound to draw attention.”
Edward Blanco, All About Jazz