Billy Hart & the WDR Big Band - The Broader Picture album review: Drum roll please

Swiss trombonist and arranger Christophe Schweizer met Billy Hart 10 years ago, when the great drummer was giving an ensemble class at the Mannes College of Music in New York. A seed sown then springs to vigorous life here, with a programme of Hart's original compositions arranged for the superb WDR Big Band.

The Cologne-based 17-piece orchestra, which has collaborated with some heavyweight names over the years, has a special knack for adapting its sound to the situation. Hart speaks with the authentic voice of American jazz drumming, recalling particularly Elvin Jones, but he also has one ear cocked to the present.

His thoughtfully explosive playing focuses Schweizer's impressionistic arrangements and draws some excellent soloing from the ensemble's individual members. jazzrecords.com/enja