The album is described by reviewers from JazzTimes as exploring the "aquatic majesty" of large ensembles, moving seamlessly between varying jazz idioms:
The tracks range from "starkly beautiful ballads" to "feisty Latin-tingled grooves" and "brisk bebop excursions". J.J.Johnson - The Brass Orchestra
The "all-star" roster included trombonists Steve Turre and Robin Eubanks , trumpeters Jon Faddis and Eddie Henderson , and a rhythm section featuring Renée Rosnes (piano), Rufus Reid (bass), and Victor Lewis (drums). Compositional Style The album is described by reviewers from JazzTimes
Released in 1997, is a major late-career work by jazz trombonist J.J. Johnson . Recorded when Johnson was 72, the album showcases his dual mastery as both a peerless soloist and a sophisticated composer and arranger. Musical Concept and Ensemble Johnson
The album includes rigorous compositions like the angular Bartók tribute " Canonn for Bela " and the joyous " If I Hit the Lottery ". Critical Reception
Johnson revisited his "Third Stream" experiments from the 1950s and '60s, blending jazz improvisation with formal classical structures.