Tangria Jazz Group: Tangria Jazz Group

Founded in 1997, Tangria Jazz Group has evolved with its most accessible album to date, with two originals and four standards. Eden Ahbez's "Nature Boy" is a good beginning for the album; a familiar tune that begins with some ruminative piano, morphing from a Latin pace to a tender ballad. Two important jazz standards follow: first, Johnny Carisi's "Israel," followed by John Coltrane's formidable "Impressions," which the group offers in smoking fashion. Two Wayne Shorter tunes are performed: the rarely covered "Isotope" is given a Fender Rhodes treatment by Rochester, while "Black Nile" provides a chance for Mebane to show off her ability to swing.

Two Sheryl Mebane compositions are showcased: "Teach Yourself to Live Elsewhere," where she lays down a bluesy rhythm, and the extended "Bamako Love Walk," with Mebane and Rochester aptly demonstrating their skill with African percussion.

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