Czechian Gustav Brom led one of the foremost European big bands of the 1960’s. During this period it was rated among the top ten big bands in the world. The band played festivals and concerts throughout Europe, India and Cuba with international stars as Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Conniff, Maynard Ferguson, and Albert Mangelsdorff often appearing as guest performers. Composed and arranged by band trumpeter Jaromír Hnilička, Missa plays like an oratorio without the choir, but make no mistake, the emphasis is on the Jazz. There’s swing in the music’s solemnity, as well as inspired improvisation. The online record site Dusty Groove marvels at the “…great breakaway solos” and “stunning overall conception” of the album. With its extended length and processional feel, Kyrie highlights this sequence of seven pieces. A must album for those who take their big band jazz religiously.