Modern Drummer Magazine, April 2025

“Communal Heart consists of five original compositions that are masterfully arranged with lush woodwinds, stabbing brass, and a nimble rhythm section that grooves hard and shifts moods on a second’s notice. I am supremely glad that there are big bands today that are expanding the lens of big band music like Imboden’s ensemble does on these outstanding tracks. Challenging yet listenable, funky but not rigid, swinging yet not old and musty, well played yet not chops laden and intellectual...Imboden’s music is simply indescribable, yet thoroughly enjoyable.”

Jay Harvey Upstage, March 2025

“The independence of the sections is vast and ever-changing. Imboden's contrapuntal skill is immense and continually exercised…(Imboden) uses his band so conscientiously. The excellence of this music, and the expertise displayed throughout, stirs the wish that somehow this band should be able to tour. I suspect such originals and the way they are executed on Communal Heart would travel well anywhere.”

Indianapolis Monthly, April 2025

“What Imboden calls ‘a modern big band’ blends exuberance with control, creating bouncing and interlocking rhythms that captivate both the ear and the mind.”

Jeroen Mulder - Maxine.nl, April 2025

“Listen to 'Fire Spirit'…Hear the liveliness, the speed that the piece has acquired by playing with the dynamics between the diverse brass. In addition to the two 'older' pieces, we get three new tracks of which 'Certified Organic' with an almost orgasmic energy is the best that Sean Imboden has to offer. (8/10)”

Dee Dee McNeil - MakingAScene.org, April 2025

“They open this album with an original tune called ‘Fire Spirit.’ The fire spits out of the arrangement during the Sean Imboden bold saxophone solo.”

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See printed press reviews here.

Listen to interviews with Sean here.

See the worldwide radio play for Communal Heart on our Crossover Media page.

See the press release on our DL Media Music page.