Best Laid Plans is the third release from Jon Schapiro’s “Schapiro 17 Big Band.” With the album, Schapiro successfully transcends the usual contemporary jazz experience.

The album delivers rewarding big-band jazz with original charts and imaginative reinterpretations. Schapiro’s strongest track is a profound take on Scott Joplin’s “Solace.” The arrangement squeezes out every note of the bittersweet original and amplifies every emotional possibility.

Musicians:

Conductor, Composer, Arranger: Jon Schapiro

Trumpet: Bryan Davis, Andy Gravish, Eddie Allen, Noyes Bartholomew

Trombone: Alex Jeun, Deborah Weisz, Andrea Neumann, Brandon Moodie (tracks 1, 2, 9), Walter Harris (tracks 3-8)

Reeds: Ken Robinson, Nathan Bellott, Paul Carlon, Rob Middleton, Matt Hong

Piano: Simona Premazzi

Guitar: Sebastian Noelle

Bass: Bob Sabin

Drums: Jon Wikan