Quinsin Nachoff: Flux

Canadian-reared, New York City-based saxophonist Quinsin Nachoff summons a meeting of some very bright musical minds on this stirring quartet date. Rounded out by heralded modern era musicians, saxophonist David Binney, keyboardist Matt Mitchell and drummer Kenny Wolleson, the band erects a cunning bridge between structured and melodic thematic ventures with traditional jazz values and free-flowing improvisational overtures.

Many of these works are erected with polytonal sequences and odd-metered aberrations via forceful choruses and unanticipated diversions. Moreover, the quartet projects a cunning musical personality as large and small surprises trickle through the seams on a recurring basis, sans any overwhelming deconstruction efforts or total breakdowns.

The soloists inject several quirky paradigm shifts into the big picture, countered by warm choruses and heavy-duty aerial assaults. However, "Astral Echo Poem" is guided by loping unison sax lines, cleverly shaded by Mitchell's dark and crusty Wurlitzer piano notes atop Wolleson's meaty backbeats as the frontline also mixes complex phrasings into off-kilter detours and weaving patterns. Nachoff's fluid soloing is abetted by his corpulent tone and airy treatments along with Mitchell who adds an edgy solo, leading to endearing opuses and the band's perky accentuations. Here, the quartet generates a manifold view amid a touch of jazz fusion in spots. In sum, Nachoff's musicality is hard to typify, which is a good thing. And while the quartet fashions a signature sound and style, it never veers to a finite side of the jazz spectrum. (Highly recommended).