Tall and Small is a fine eleven-piece group that combines the best of two worlds – the power of a big band with the spontaneity of a smaller group – to showcase the fine talents of the husband-and-wife team of tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb and trombonist Linda Small – and, in this album, the superlative arranging of legendary West Coast arranger Bill Holman. This very spirited ensemble, comprising a handful of LA’s finest and seasoned jazz musicians, handles the demanding but swinging charts with ease, and their tight ensemble work is matched by the depth of their soloing capabilities. It includes stalwarts of the LA scene like bassists Putter Smith, Jim Hughart, saxophonists Gary Foster and Gene Cipriano, trumpeter Ron Stout, as well as fine younger players like the energetic alto soloist Kevin Garren who is a voice to listen out for. Most of the players are given solo opportunities, although the band is built around the solo talents of its leaders.