The co-operative modern jazz quintet Opus 5’s articulate solos, ensemble discipline and consistent rhythmic pulse has roots in the legacy Mingus Big Band. Bassist Boris Kozlov has MD’d the MBB since 2004 and the other four musicians had all been in its ranks when Opus 5 recorded its first CrissCross album in 2011.

Stylistically, though, Opus 5 sit in the late Messengers legacy of modal jazz and swing – a cover of Bobby Watson’s 'In Case You Missed It', recorded by Art Blakey with Wynton Marsalis in 1981 ends the set.

Now, five albums on, they continue to refresh that tradition with original material and an impressive group sound. Alex Sipiagin and Seamus Blake on trumpet and sax are a muscular and articulate front line, David Kikoski’s rich voicings and elegant lines impress and drummer Donald Edwards locks into the sonic riches of the Kozlov bass.

The album opens with the up-tempo title track, a swinging modal complexity, introduced by a short brassy fanfare and written for the band by George Fontenette. The rest of the album features artfully constructed original work. Funky-beat drums and four-in-the bar piano give Kikoski’s 'Pythagoras' a hip-hop vibe and Kozlov’s ballad 'Moonbay' glows with warmth. 'Fermata' and 'Sight Vision', both written by Sipiagin, deliver Latin inflection and a Donald Edwards brace swing hard and change tempo with a snare-drum snap. Great solos, strong songs and a consistently engaging set.