If you like big-band fusion, you’ll like this large-forces, multiple-guest-spot makeover of the music of Bremen-based jazz fusion keyboardist Michael Schmidt led by former Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip. Schmidt and Haslip originally considered working with the likes of the WDR big band, veterans of such cutting-edge crossovers, but eventually settled on the John Daversa Big Band. And the latter make a great sound. In addition to Schmidt, Haslip’s ARC Trio and Daversa’s troupe, there are some great guest spots: the fusion guitarist Nguyên Lê tears his way through ‘Qin Shi’ and ‘Si Kitu’; Steve Khan plays acoustic on ‘Red and Gold’ and ‘Falling’; guitarist and former Chick Corea Elektric Band member Mike Miller and Hammond B-3 organ pioneer Brian Auger feature on the tensely dynamic ‘Clark Kent’; Miller and Oz Noy contribute duelling leads on ‘Mirrors’; vocalist Mer Sal provides a reminder of the Ella Fitzgerald-style big band tradition on ‘Quartet’; tenor saxophonist Seamus Blakes blows up a storm on ‘Swing’. It’s a smart, highly enjoyable collaboration, as heavy on thrills as it is on names, that’s well worth your attention.