* Download the liner notes for free at http://www.RickHirschJazz.com/liners * Award-winning jazz composer Rick Hirsch has compiled archived never-before-released recordings from studio sessions in 2008 and 2010. Here's a bit about the music: • "Great Big Ball with a Map Wrapped Around It" is inspired by iconic jazz composer Bob Brookmeyer. University of Northern Iowa jazz guru Chris Merz calls it "one of the happiest tunes you'll ever hear." Do you agree? • Get your calypso on with "Free Food?". • "Soaring" imagines the graceful flight of an eagle. • The search party has been summoned for "Manhunt." Do they get their man? • "Suspended" portrays the beautiful suspension bridge in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania's Talleyrand Park. This tune has been described as 'big band minimalism.' • "Aspire" is another feel-good tune, this time set in an upbeat jazz waltz. • "Peace at Home" is a warm, lyrical piece. • We pay tribute to one of Central Pennsylvania's long-standing jazz venues with "Alehouse Rock." • "Catch Me if You Can!" is a frenetic chase for jazz sextet. About the bands: • Liquid Jazz (recorded in 2008) was a working sextet from 2008-2009 that featured saxophonist Greg Johnson, pianist Billy Test, drummer Aaron Kimmel, trombonist Jay Vonada, bassist Bob Insko, and saxophonist Rick Hirsch. • Rick Hirsch's Studio Big Band (recorded in 2010) was a hand-picked band that included saxophonists Jonathan Ragonese, Tim Powell, Curtis Johnson, Kevin Supina, and Matt Donovan; trumpeters Eddie Severn, Jeff Smith, and Barry Long; trombonists Paul Leskowicz and Mark Lusk; pianist Steve Rudolph, bassist Bob Insko, and drummer Aaron Kimmel.