Alto saxophonist and flutist Paulo Curado with New York bassist Ken Filiano and Bruno Pedroso on drums, a nuanced work from a lyrical and free power jazz trio.

Two CDs representing two extended improvisations of the IKB Ensemble with slightly different personnel, with each ensemble slowly unfolding an amazingly textured work of acoustics and electronics with strong intent and incredible technique, balanced by close listening and attention to detail; an excellent 21st century improvisation orchestra captured live.

Ernesto Rodrigues leads a 16 piece orchestra of strings, reeds, winds, voice, brass, accordion, electric guitar, electronics and percussion through the elaborately restrained work "Chelodnis Nigra", rewarding the careful listener with fascinating layers of sound.

"The opening moments of "Stream of Consciousness"are disorienting. Awash in reverb, as in an empty warehouse or a bounded public square, Maria Radich's vocals mingle with those of an audience of unknown size. Camera shutters click, men ...

The trio of Paulo Curado, Paulo Chagas, and Joao Pedro Viegas on flutes and reeds, 11 pieces of mostly improvised music that blend idiomatic music from old and new approaches, while inventing a few of their own.