The Road to Trantor

The saxophonist and flute player Carl Schultz has an impressive and lengthy resume both in music and academics, and here he's aligned with Tim Wendel, Adam Benjamin, Zack Teran and Alwyn Robinson for the soundtrack to a science fiction film that exists in his head.

The hazy mood of "Journey" starts with Schultz's rich sax amid Robinson's frisky drums, and "Psychohistory" follows with Wendel's melodic guitar that complements the soulful sax and crisp drumming.

"Ecumenopolis" and "Gladia" land in the middle. The former comes with a hint of mystery, where Teran's meticulous bass adds much to the climate, while the latter enlists Schultz's dreamy flute via the lush album highlight that benefits from Benjamin's mature keys.

Residing close to the end, "Crystalline Desolation" carries a cinematic quality via the hazy keys and ambient interaction that bursts into free jazz exploration, and "The Spirit Of Adventure" exits with a meticulous rhythm section, colorful sax and intricate keys making for a timeless jazz finish that incorporates electronics.

A fascinating body of work that blends modern jazz with weaves sci-fi bouts and rich instrumentation into the equation, every track here radiates wonder and awe.