As a quintessential first-call sideman in modern jazz, bassist Scott Colley has played with the very best. Here he gets to show that he can assemble a group of simpatico musicians and write compositions that have originality accented by a timeless quality. Colley is fond of mixing meters and using unconventional time signatures. His usage of harmonica, trumpet, and alto saxophone for a front line works quite well. The introductory “Usual Illusion” starts electronic and loopy, then goes into a clarion call 15/8 melody, while 9/8 ostinato time informs the brilliant “Strip Mall Ballet,” the unquestioned highlight of the CD. A loping modal line morphs into deft rhythm changes, setting up Gregoire Maret’s biting harmonica solo. It’s ultimately complex, practically hummable, but more like a movie theme. Alto saxophonist David Binney’s tart sweet sound and concept are adopted during the stealth title track, and particularly the soulful, deep “From Within.” Colley’s bass underpinnings breezily sway without jumping, while ever-present trumpeter Ralph Alessi is consistently adding depth and breadth — he’s an important contributor throughout this program. Craig Taborn, whose piano playing on the date bears close listening, gets on the Fender Rhodes and angularly rambles through Andrew Hill’s post-bopper “Smokestack.” Yet another highlight, “Masoosong” showcases the most static, constant time with beautiful harmonic interaction between the players over the subtle electric guitar of Adam Rogers. Chiming on a two-note Charlie Haden-ish mode, Colley cops a John Coltrane-like feel similar to “India” for the closer, “Window of Time.” Other cuts explore free improv, neo-bop, and generally excellent, challenging new modern creative jazz. This is easily Colley’s best recording of a small handful as a leader; it is a candidate for best jazz CD of 2007 and comes highly recommended. – Michael G. Nastos