Recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Philharmonie concert hall in Cologne, Germany, and powered by the renowned 18-piece WDR Big Band under the direction of principal conductor Bob Mintzer (renowned tenor saxophonist, longtime member of the Yellowjackets) this adventurous outing finds Snarky Puppy pianist Bill Laurance re-imagining previously recorded works on a much grander scale. <p>"I always imagined these compositions to be played by an orchestra, and it's a rare opportunity to have your music realised with a large ensemble of this calibre," said Laurance. In some ways an extension of Snarky Puppy's orchestral collaboration with the Netherlands Metropole Orkest on 2015's Grammy-winning Sylva (Best Contemporary Instrumental Album). <p>Cinematic in nature with surprises around every turn of the page, 'Live at the Philharmonie', Cologne is easily Laurance's most adventurous outing to date. As Jazz Journal put it: "If jazz is to continue to appeal to future generations then it needs people like Bill Laurance to renew its relevance." <p>Personnel: Bill Laurance (piano), Bob Mintzer (tenor saxophone, conductor), WDR Big Band <p>Available as a CD digipak with additional booklet and a 2LP set on heavyweight 180g vinyl.