Hill's compositional voice has always been a unique one that stretches time signatures and melodies in imaginative ways that incorporate the open-mindedness of free jazz but don't lose a traditional sense of swing. The band is an extension of this, creating textured cacophonies at times ("J Di") but elsewhere leaving plenty of space for soloists. Highlights include the chamber music-like "5 Mo" and the epic "Faded Beauty" (which features a great bass clarinet solo from Marty Ehrlich). A classic album from a class act, A Beautiful Day realises the textural and tonal possibilities of large group jazz without ever losing the leader's compositional voice. --Tad Hendrickson