Bob Florence - Serendipity 18 (1999)

The ambition of this project, with an 18-piece big band conducted by Florence (who also doubles as pianist), deserves kudos. Unfortunately, bigger isn't always better, and the blasting big band seems to go to Florence's head, with the original work often straying into bombast. Case in point is the meandering title track that is unevenly peppered with bop, swing, and pop ornaments. -- Tim Sheridan