Pandelis Karayorgis Quintet: System of 5

One of the major attributes of System of 5 pertains to the modality of New England area pianist Pandelis Karayorgis, which lies between modern jazz, with heavy rhythmic nods to Thelonious Monk, and a newer slant that parallels the current state of jazz imperialism. Backed by a new band, the musicians overlap mainstream persuasions with tricky time signatures and passionate improvisational implementations. The pianist abides by a democratic process, but also incorporates well-rehearsed complexities into the grand schema.

The quintet gels to a swing vibe that appears and decentralizes within various movements. In addition, Karayorgis is a melody-maker throughout these absorbing works. The ensemble skirts the free side of matters, but the pianist's compositions are designed with structure. This is not another formulaic post-bop extravaganza, however; Karayorgis and the soloists weave between geometric-like architectures, amid a distinct sense of expressionism.

The swing and bop elements are represented in various flavors as the leader cranks out a Monk-ish groove, followed by soul-stirring solos from saxophonist Matt Langley and trombonist Jeff Galindo on the opener, "Transit." And on "Due East," Karayorgis comps, contrasts and accelerates the band, while Langley dishes out a scorching tenor sax vamp.

The quintet injects the mind's eye with linear theme-building exercises amid some pop, sizzle and zigzagging choruses along the way. Yet the big picture dictates that Karayorgis's sustainable compositions and focused support system seamlessly aligns a manifold game-plan with a highly-entertaining form factor on System Of 5.

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