Ben Goldberg School, Vol. I: The Humanities (feat. Kasey Knudsen, Hamir Atwal, Rob Reich, David Ewell & Jeff Cressman)

The Denver-bred, Bay Area-based clarinetist leads a lean, versatile ensemble with a raw yet beautiful sound. Goldberg’s writing for clarinet, alto sax, trombone, accordion, bass, and drums is tightly arranged but never labored; it breathes and sways, suggesting a space between chamber music and improvised jazz that’s rich in tonal color and full of swing. The ballad “This One Is for Bravery” and the long multipart opener “Time Is the New Space” convey a rare depth and power.