Space Bugs

The composer and saxophonist Wil Swindler aligns himself with the Denver based outfit Elevenet for these 8 distinct jazz tunes that are full of unique, harmonic language.

"Space Bug" starts the listen with Dru Heller's frisky drums and the textured brass that makes for a lively and meticulous climate, and "The Real Me" follows with graceful musicianship thanks to Ben Markley's piano and Matt Smiley's infectious bass in the introspective and warm delivery.

In the middle, the intimate "Annika" builds into a soulful and layered album highlight, while "Tantrum In D" benefits much from the low flugelhorn alongside plenty of bright and dynamic interaction between the ensemble.

Close to the end, "Little Requiem" moves with a calm and fluid appeal that's quite stirring, and "Pavlov's Daughter" exits with a nice balance between busy, soaring jazz ideas, as well as bare bouts of cautiousness.

An extremely skilled set where the sound quality is fantastic, similarities to Gil Evans, Eric Dolphy and Billy May won't go unnoticed across a complicated but easily accessible experience.