Composer and arranger Marta Sanchez has steadily been building a reputation as a talent to watch on the New York jazz scene. Born in Spain, she has relocated to New York to develop her career (she was unable to return home because of Covid restrictions when her mother caught the virus and sadly died, provoking the lament ‘Marivi’, executed here by Sanchez plus rhythm and guests) and the evidence of this album is that the buzz about her is well justified.

Unafraid of complexity and bold counterpoint in her writing, the two saxophone front line execute her themes with deceptive ease: nothing sounds forced or contrived. From compositions like ‘The Unconquered Vulnerable Areas’ to the thoughtful ‘Dear Worthiness’, this is an album constructed in the old fashioned way, to tell a story, so there is a narrative arc in which each track contributes to the greater whole.

The combination between rhythmic drive, the spontaneity of the soloists and the way each composition contributes to the overall album flow makes for a compelling performance you'll want to hear again, and again.