Star of Jupiter

Kurt Rosenwinkel is one of the best guitarists in contemporary jazz, and he's released about a dozen albums as a leader. The 2012 double disc Star of Jupiter (which Rosenwinkel produced and features all originals) is a strong statement. It's clearly influenced by fusion, but Rosenwinkel takes that inspiration and runs with it. His band here—keyboardist Aaron Parks, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner—is top-notch. (Revis plays acoustic bass, a nice touch.) The opener, “Gamma Band,” delights with its wordless vocals, prog-rock vibe, and enveloping atmospherics. There's something appealing about the way the music embraces both repetition and complicated lines. “Heavenly Bodies” starts with wonderful acoustic piano work supported by bass and organ. The slow-tempo piece showcases nicely inflected playing from Rosenwinkel, who refuses to show off. On the title track, the band drives hard as guitar lines glide through harmonic changes. The cut has the energy of fusion with the fat trimmed off, and it makes for an excellent closer.