Big bands are making a comeback, if not on tour because of the expense, at least on record. There's been a slew of such recently and 'Musings' (Sunnyside Records) by the Christopher Zuar Orchestra, is one of the best.
Pianist and composer Mike Holober does indeed achieve a 'Balancing Act' on his new Palmetto Records release. The balance in question comes from creative use of Kate McGarry's vocals, sprinkled throughout all eight tracks of these elegant proceedings as if it were but another instrument...which, in a way, it is.