MAINSTREAM JAZZ. This purpose-built gathering of players from Concord, including some well-known ones, was assembled by the label’s A&R department to provide a venue for some newcomers. All tracks are covers of contemporary songs (alt, hip hop, etc). Trying so hard to be likeable, this project could have turned out a mess (and in fact, some tracks are disappointingly bland), but much of it actually turned out to be pretty good.

All instrumental. No FCC issues.

1 ** Fast, complex, swinging. A soulful tenor sax solo; a rock-like one on guitar; strong playing by piano, bass, drums. (Song by Swedish electronic group Little Dragon) (6:20)
2 ** Fast. Excellent, very melodic lead on trumpet over a dense, powerful rhythm of piano, guitar, bass, and drums. (Song by Kanye West & Jay Z) (6:46)
3 Mid-slow. A too pretty, too sleepy, “smooth jazz” yawner. (Song by D’Angelo) (4:24)
4 * Mid-tempo. Trumpet leads at times, but this is mainly a showcase for lots of electric bass and drums. (Song by N.E.R.D.) (7:23)
5 Mid-fast. Trumpet & sax share the lead, then electric guitar takes a turn on this rather aimless & uninspired reading of a Pearl Jam song. (6:51)
6 First half mid-slow & mellow. Flute leads over piano, bass, drums. Second half is faster, louder, jazz-rock lead by electric guitar. (Song by Stereolab) (6:35)
7 Mid-slow. Breathy muted trumpet. Piano, elec bass & drums accompany. (Song by Drake) (4:35)
8 ** Fast. Powerful, energetic ensemble playing. Tenor sax passionately provides the melody. Rhythm section rocks it. (Song by Meshell Ndegeocello) (5:22)
9 * Mid-tempo. At once laid back & compelling. Horns lead. Electric guitar with huge echo, chorus, and other effects sounds great. (Song by Bon Iver) (5:27)
10 Slow melody over fast rhythm played alternately by piano, tenor sax, hollow-body electric guitar. Play this one only as a novelty. (Dido’s huge radio hit) (3:49)