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Flying Horse Big Band: Swingin' with the Flying Horse Big Band

by Jack Bowers
November 11, 2026

Swingin' is indeed the hallmark and animating purpose of the 11th recording by the stellar Flying Horse Big Band, the flagship jazz ensemble of the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Under saxophonist Jeff Rupert's able direction, the FHBB plants the pedal on the metal at the outset and doesn't slow the engine before the album's rather peculiar and awkward finale, John Hiatt's sauntering blues, “Feels Like Rain," mournfully sung by guest artist Rob Paparozzi who doubles on harmonica.