For five musicians as busy as these – all members of the Mingus Big Band at one time or another and much in demand as sidemen as well as leading their own projects – to get together once with a bunch of original tunes to record would be something; that this is their fourth album since 2011 suggests they have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And it’s not hard to hear why. This is not simply an all-star blowing session, there are original compositions from all five dressed in strong arrangements which cater to the individual characters of the players. It all makes for a very satisfying and rounded whole. Edwards’ title track and his ‘Crack To The Crevice’ both rock back and forth between hard swing and a funky backbeat; Koslov’s ‘Five Corners’ is written in 15/4 and gives each soloist a different accent on the meter; Kikoski’s ‘New Old Ballad’ not only reminds us what a fine poise the pianist has, balanced between grace and grunt but provides heart-on- sleeve improvising opportunities; and Blake’s ‘Silver Pockets’ is the classic, all-promising, upwardly energetic opener. There are pleasures to be had from all five players, but a special mention needs to go to the Canadian tenor man for his particular brand of rhapsodic soloing, so beautifully showcased on ‘New Old Ballad’ and on the closer, Koslov’s ‘Murzake’.