This Swiss band may have its roots in jazz, but it travels so far afield that even calling this "fusion" would be missing the point. The band has rock instrumentation (electric bass, guitar and, sometimes, keyboards) and the songs themselves are often molded into more of a post-rock form.

AKKU Quintet Depart (7d Media)

The songs are drum-centered. That is the domain of founder Manuel Pasquinelli, and his nimble playing informs every piece. His songs build up from a foundation--a very rock way to write. There's very little of the jazz "state your theme and then solos abound" style. But the roots of the players are obviously steeped in jazz.

There is also a strong experimental electronic feel. That's not what AKKU Quintet does, but the more meditative sections do tend toward the ambient. This is a journey into many sounds.

I imagine this is too rock for many jazz fans, and perhaps too jazzy even for post-rock aficionados. But for those of us who like to hang out between any rigid definition of genre, AKKU Quintet is a lovely respite. Stylish and sophisticated, with charm for miles.

Jon Worley