Brown created a band in his own image. These mid-career pros – alto, baritone, and soprano saxophonist Lisa Parrott; tenor and soprano saxophonist Jason Rigby; trumpeter Russ Johnson; drummer Tony Je erson – have internalized the leader’s sagacious relationship to the jazz tradition. Loose and limber, the band slides easily between standard harmony and free improvisation, often bathing in the sunlight of the blues-in ected free bop pioneered by alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman with trumpeter Don Cherry at his side c. 1959-61.

But make no mistake: These players and this band sound like only themselves. All deliver consistently fresh ideas that stimulate the mind, touch the heart, and honor their heroes by keeping their attention focused on the here and now.