As regular readers may already know, this reviewer is an ardent admirer of independent-minded American altoist David Binney.

He has his own record label, Mythology, to cover his various ventures and occasionally releases albums by other artists, the most notable of whom was probably Donny McCaslin, albeit Binney-produced. So you've got to be special to be on Mythology. David obviously thinks very highly of Skibinsky, who was born in Russia before emigrating to Israel where he became heavily involved with TV and theatre productions before relocating to New York in 2007. A highly talented altoist, he is also a composer who covers a wide area of different genres and almost all nine of his compositions here are greatly diverse in style. The opening title tune in distinctively differing parts features, firstly, warmly expressive Mike Moreno solo guitar after a nicely harmonised alto-tenor-trumpet ensemble: then, with a totally contrasting latinish beat, hard-hitting trumpet and alto. Most of the other tracks have a more peaceful approach, in fact there is a distinctly pastoral feel to Skibinsky's lyrical extended improvisations, on two of which he plays soprano. His classical training is put to effective use on ‘When We Forget’ with a strong religious feel to the strings score. Zaleski's empathetic piano throughout is equally interesting with Perez strong on bass and Stranahan changing grooves most effectively. Though the majority of tracks are by the basic quartet, the tenor and trumpet add subtle warmth to ‘Translucent’. An interesting debut.