Markus Rutz: Many Moons

Chicago-based trumpeter Markus Rutz traverses a largely straightforward path on Many Moons, the ninth recording as leader of his own ensembles—on this occasion, his Third Coast Sounds, a sturdy sextet with slightly shifting personnel.

Tenor saxophonist Brice Winston shares the front line on five of the album's eleven engaging tracks, alto Sharel Cassity on four, with saxophonist and album producer Greg Ward sitting in on the colorful finale, "Time to Spare," which he also composed. Rutz wrote half a dozen numbers to bolster others by Van Morrison, Joe Sample, Richard Rodgers ("Blue Moon") and Irving Berlin ("Blue Skies," performed by Rutz and pianist Adrian Ruiz).

The group's other members are guitarist Matt Gold and bassists Christian Dillingham or Samuel Peters. Pianist Ruiz is an especially strong soloist, resting comfortably in any mood or at any pace while playing with agility and perception. Cassity delivers more of the same, and Winston also has his persuasive moments. As for Rutz, his solos are consistently inventive and precise, and he plays with the sort of unshakable clarity and assurance reminiscent of such West Coast masters as Conte Candoli, Don Fagerquist, Stu Williamson and their brethren.

Among the more pleasant surprises are Morrison's lyrical "Moondance," Rutz's seductive "Penumbra" and "Denouement," and handsome treatments of the standards, "Blue Moon" and "Blue Skies." In sum, a splendid session from end to end with more than the usual share of bright and pleasurable moments.