This sophomore recording by bass phenom Alexander Claffy features a collection of familiar standards spanning several generations, from the American Songbook tradition to mid-20th century jazz classics to a Beatles favorite. Following his debut album, with its focus on a blend of contemporary soul and hip hop influences, it would be tempting to contrast the two projects as a looking forward/looking back dichotomy. This new album defies such easy categorization, however, with with deeply personal readings that update timeless melodies with an utterly timely approach.

Claffy’s collaborators fit a similar cross-generational model: the core of the band features two longtime inspirations who have helped pave the way for the bassist’s forward-looking vision, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and pianist Dave Kikoski, as well as the acclaimed saxophonist Joel Frahm. The line-up is rounded out by a number of Claffy’s up-and-coming peers, including drummers Adam Arruda, Mark Whitfield Jr. and Aaron Kimmel, trumpeter Benny Benack III, and vocalist Veronica Swift.