Blueprints - Figure One: Frameworks

Trumpet player Markus Rutz offers five original compositions and covers Wayne Shorter's "Limbo", Harry Warren's "September In The Rain", Ellis Marsalis' "Syndrome" and Charlie Parker's "Segment". He is supported by Brice Winston (sax), Adrian Ruiz (piano), Matt Gold (guitar), and Marcus Varela (bass), with Xavier Breaker and Marcus Evans trading sharing drums and Hector Garcia (congas). It's a very pleasant menu with nice shifts as the disc progresses. Rutz explains "...explores grooves, moods and feels through originals and idiomatic jazz repertoire.... This album navigates diverse ensemble and stylistic directions. From duet to sextet with selections incorporating Cuban percussion, ballads and, of course, swing...." (Liner notes) "The title, "Blueprints - Figure 1: Frameworks," provides the metaphor while the music reveals the heart of an artist venerating his influences."