So refreshing. At a time when all too many jazz ensembles have long drifted into mere technical proficiency and slickness, Kahil El'Zabar and his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble on the one hand stay true to basic clear forms while on the other invest them with new insights, not based on how fast or glibly they can play but on the deep level of commitment to the spirit of the music.

The Ensemble here is a quartet (El'Zabar, percussion and voice; Corey Wilkes, trumpet, percussion; Alex Harding, baritone saxophone; Ian Maksin, cello) and, as a broad sonic reference, you might think of the mid-70s groups led by Julius Hemphill or Marion Brown. The themes are as irresistible as they are songlike, right from the start with 'N2 Deep' which bears a gorgeous country blues feeling. The playing has far more to do with collective interaction than soloing, the vocals emerging from the music rather than foregrounded. El'Zabar's decision to devote more time to congas and thumb pianos than drum sets is also salutary. They do a couple of covers as well, including Eddie Harris' 'Freedom Jazz Dance' where that baritone/trumpet/cello line is showcased to wonderful effect. Freddie Hubbard's enticing 'Little Sunflower' is presented twice, both lovely. Other highlights include the addictive groove of 'Black Is Back' (and Harding's super-deep baritone work therein), the joyous theme and tumultuous improv of 'Blew It' (for the late Hamiet Bluiett), the languid, lush pulse of 'Pharoah' and the long, slow, sinuous concluding piece, 'Oof', with its heartfelt vocalizing and thumb piano from El'Zabar and highly imaginative trumpet playing (perhaps recalling Baikida Carroll) from Wilkes.