This album, by The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces, as it says in the liner notes, is composed entirely of songs that would literally "stop the show" when the band was performing one of its many concerts around the globe.

To continue quoting the liner notes: "The largest of Canada's professional military bands, The Central Band evolved out of the integration of the Armed Forces in 1968, and represents a significant Canadian forces contribution to the ceremonial and cultural aspects of Canadian life at home and abroad." While they don't make it sound particularly exciting, the music is stellar.

Director of Music for the Central Band, Major Derek Stannard, was something of a prodigy, playing trumpet with the Halle Orchestra when he was only 17. Associate Director of Music, Captain Con Furey, was a top graduate of the Canadian Armed Forces School of Music in Victoria, B.C., and was the first Canadian officer appointed to the NORAD Band.

There are many versions of Shaft out there (including this one), but they don't compare to this big band treatment (complete with some rockin' wah-wah guitar action). And a sweet version of Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz (Yours is My Heart Alone) with Tenor Master Warrant Officer Don Laver is particularly brilliant.

Shaft
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz