By Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine
Trumpeter Derrick Gardner fronts the Winnipeg-based Big dig! Band on the thrilling Still I Rise, his debut with a large ensemble. His previous recordings with his group The Jazz Prophets are primarily with sextets and octets, yet Gardner transitions seamlessly to the orchestral arena as a leader as well as a composer and an arranger. The superb musicians that make up this intriguing combo are from various North American cities, yet their surprisingly seamless camaraderie, as well as their superlative skills, make for an exciting and dynamic album. Read the full review here.