Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, flutist Kent Jordan, pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts join Wynton to conquer a venerable jazz tradition – swing with strings. They return from that battlefield to share the spoils with beautiful renditions of “Stardust,” “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Melancholia” and “I’m Confessin,” among other classics, and some surprising originals, accompanied by a string orchestra arranged and conducted by Robert Freedman.

Between 1979 and 1982, the Miroslav Vitouš Group was the primary outlet for the abundant improvisational skills of leader Vitouš and John Surman, exemplified by this 1981 release. Vitouš and Surman were well-matched in several ways, with roots and influences that extended beyond jazz, a love of playing freely and a commitment to using the full sound potential of their respective instruments: Surman sings at the top of the baritone sax’s range to match Vitouš’s fiddle-like arco flourishes on the double bass. Drummer Jon Christensen shared their passion for playing, as did Kenny Kirkland, only 24 at the time of this session, on his way to becoming one of modern jazz’s outstanding pianists. Repertoire includes classic Vitouš pieces, collective improvising and an early version of Surman’s relentlessly driving Number Six.