Darius Jones Quartet

In 2009, alto saxophonist Darius Jones released Man'ish Boy, his debut album as a bandleader. Adorned by Funkadelic-inspired art painted by Randal Wilcox, the record was a reflection of Jones's experiences growing up in the American South. The Book of Mae'bul is the third chapter in the Man'ish Boy story, following hot on the heels of 2011's Big Gurl (Smell My Dreams). As with the other offerings in the series, Mae'bul introduces a new character (the titular Mae'bul), who this time embodies every woman Jones has been in love with. Jones, together with Matt Mitchell on piano, Trevor Dunn on bass and drummer Ches Smith, has assembled a tremendously lyrical song cycle in homage to the quest for love and beauty. With fluid melodies, unhurried pacing and a heightened sense of emotion, Mae'bul elevates Jones's stature as both a player and composer.