This underrated Los Angeles-based composer/arranger has been leading big bands since the 1940s, recording a number of fine albums along the way. Now, at the age of 89, Wilson has released Monterey Moods which is still no slice of nostalgia: the disc captures contemporary large-ensemble writing and playing at its best. “Monterey Moods Suite,” which takes up most of the album (and was commissioned by the Monterey Jazz Festival for its fiftieth anniversary), is a formidable seven-part suite. Wilson successfully spins variations on a catchy (and flexible) motif, creating a variety of distinctive flavors, and throughout his rich arrangements are complemented by excellent soloing. The group is made up of top-notch New York-based musicians — including saxophonist Antonio Hart, trumpeter Jon Faddis, and baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber — who perform the material with a tough, driving brio. And guest flutist Hubert Laws’ pure-toned playing works nicely next to the massive sound. The rest of the album consists of a version of Cole Porter’s “I Concentrate on You” and another original, “The Mini Waltz.” On the former, Wilson’s son, Anthony, plays slinky guitar over an elegant bed of orchestration, while the latter cut closes the album on a swinging note.