Endowed with a rare melodic gift and a knack for forming atypical band lineups, bassist/composer Ben Allison leads his Think Free ensemble through a set of music inspired by New York City in all its radical contrasts and unparalleled diversity. His use of electric bass—for the first time on record—lends the songs a rock-like simplicity and directness, notwithstanding odd harmonic and formal twists that keep trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, guitarist Steve Cardenas, pianist Frank Kimbrough, and drummer Allan Mednard on their toes throughout.