“JOHN WASSON’S STRATA BIG BAND/Chronicles: A grad of one of Woody Herman’s later thundering herds, he might have to take to Kickstarter to get his records made but when the results are this sweet, it’s a good things there’s enough geezers that are computer literate enough to want to keep this sound alive and well. Other than the vibe, Wasson is not one to marinate in the good old days as the playing here is forward thinking and full of vigor. Just what the big band fan is looking for. Hot.”

“John Wasson’s Strata Big Band: “Chronicles” – There is nothing like some good big band music to shake us loose from these stressful times. John Wasson’s Strata Big Band delivers some excellent original material, as well as some well-chosen covers...”

“That big, beautiful swell of excitement and glory that a big band brings to music is magical. This album opens with that kind of energy on “Heat-seeker.” The horns make a bright, tightly harmonized exclamation mark. Then they crawl up the scale, offering their melody to my attentive ears and totally grabbing my attention...”

“Bass trombonist John Wasson leads a 17 piece big band through a collection of his originals mixed some covers on this satisfying and bold album. The unit swings like Basie, with some hot solos by trumpeter Pete Clgett and tenor saxist Jeff Robbins on “Heat-Seeker” , with the brass shining brightly on “Senor Salsa”. The trio of trombonists David Butler, Paul Birk and Tony Baker slide through a snappy read of Charlie Parker’s “Blues For Alice” with bold strokes supporting Bruce Bohnstengel’s alto sax on a bright take of “Maria” The horns sound like the Famous Flames for “Funk City” featuring Noel Johnston’s rocking guitar, and the horns team up to form the Rat Pack on the B-movie special “The Detective Chronicles”. Rich and colorful paint brushes fill the canvas.”