Twenty years ago Björn Yttling (better known for Peter Björn and John) put out an album as Yttling Jazz, embracing a modern big-band sound. He's decided to give it another go, albeit with a new crew of adventurers.

Yttling Jazz Illegal Hit (Out of Bounds) (YEAR0001)

The album is built around the title song (there are references and remixes that bounce around the set), but once again Yttling has embraced the power of a large ensemble. Almost orchestral at times and borrowing from Brian Eno to Ennio Moricone (and plenty more), this set trends toward the grand gesture.

And when that gesture hits, holy cow. But even more impressive is when Yttling and company undercut the drop, letting everything fall away into the dust. Is this jazz? Sure. But it's more of a jazz infusion than anything strictly genteel.

That's perfectly fine by me. Why on earth would you step into a side project just to make more of the same? More than anything else, this is lots of fun with some of the most intriguing musical ideas I've heard in a while. Give it room and let it flow. There's gold to be found.

Jon Worley