Details: Saxophonist, composer, arranger and music educator Sam Pilnick presents The Project, - the sophomore recording with his large ensemble, Sam Pilnick's Nonet Project. The Project is a study in the growth of the saxophonist, composer, arranger and band leader, featuring songs and arrangements from throughout the ensemble's 8 year existence. "For this second album, my goal was to present a wide range of compositions and arrangements that reflect not only my own musical growth, but also the versatility, creativity, and cohesion of the ensemble as a whole." The album is a genre-blending journey, moving fluidly between styles and moods: from an early big band-inspired take on Thelonious Monk's Pannonica, to Southbound Trail-a Latin and swing-infused portrait of walking along Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline-to a spacey, uptempo rock interpretation of John Mayer's Neon. Each track highlights the band's ability to stretch across stylistic boundaries while staying grounded in deep musical connection.