Beginning with 2005's , trumpeter began exploring '70s and '80s funk and fusion sounds inspired by the works of such luminaries as and . He continued these funk and electronic explorations on such albums as 2007's and 2013's . While has also split his time playing and recording more straight-ahead post-bop albums, his 2014 album, , combines the best of his acoustic recordings with the electronic-jazz hybrid sound of . Here, is joined by his longtime ensemble featuring pianist/keyboardist , saxophonist , bassist , and drummer . Also featured are vocalists , along with Rhodes keyboardist and a handful of string players. This is a languid, atmospheric album that touches upon impressionistic, modal post-bop, soulful contemporary R&B, and groove-oriented '70s-style fusion. Tracks like "Princess Charlie" hang on a wordless vocal melody from (mirrored by ) that leads into adventurous improvisations from , , and . "Rastros," once again showcasing , is an Asian and Brazilian-inflected ballad punctuated by delicate harp lines, with on a beautiful, muted solo. Elsewhere, cuts like "Stars Are Free" sound like something along the lines of '70s , and "The Secret Code" features a frenetic jungle/drum'n'bass-influenced intro from . Ultimately, 's is a high-minded, well-crafted mix of cutting-edge acoustic and electric jazz that gently turns your ears toward the future of jazz, while never asking you to let go of the music's past. ~ Matt Collar