On Even Canadians Get The Blues, the legendary Canadian valve-trombonist, master arranger, and multi-Grammy-winning big band architect Rob McConnell leads his powerhouse orchestra, The Boss Brass, into a towering, historically luminous, and masterfully panoramic blues exploration. Released in 1996 by the premier vanguard jazz imprint Concord Jazz, this monumental milestone stands as an exceptionally fluid, high-octane monument capturing Canada's definitive premier large ensemble at the absolute height of their late-career tracking synchronization. Spanning over 66 minutes of immaculate high-fidelity spatial design, the 9-track expansive landscape operates with an intense, beautifully syncopated, and masterfully balanced brass-and-reed kinetic energy. McConnell acts as a brilliant sonic visionary, framing sophisticated, world-renowned horn section counterpoint and deep mainstream pocket grooves—tracking spectacular landmarks like the hard-swinging opener Blue Tag, the lively, Herman-esque title track showcase Even Canadians Get The Blues, the lushly orchestrated woodwind features on The Clarinet Is Black And Blue, and the sprawling, high-voltage jam vehicle The Shuffle Blues Swamp Groove Blue. Backed by an all-star pantheon of Canadian session titans, this pristine archive remains an indispensable masterpiece for serious big band purists and large ensemble jazz collectors worldwide.

Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass add plenty of spice to this Christmas jazz CD, not only with superb, fresh charts but a few surprising selections. The rich brass and reeds carry the deliberate rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which segues into a perky Latin-flavored chart of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." "Away in a Manger" is not the commonly heard melody but one first written in 1887, though the music will likely be familiar, even if one doesn't associate it with the well-known lyrics. The lush setting of "The Christmas Song," which likely set Mel Tormé and Bob Wells for life with royalty checks due to its many recordings, showcases the leader's valve trombone and pianist David Restivo. "My Favorite Things," originally written for The Sound of Music, has gradually been transformed into double duty as a Christmas carol; this swinging interpretation works very well. Johnny Mandel, the composer of many memorable melodies, deserves greater recognition for his gorgeous piece "A Christmas Love Song"; this arrangement deserved to help put it on the jazz map. Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass consistently delivered first-rate music throughout their existence, this holiday CD no exception.