Indigo Seven presents Portals

This is the sequel album performed by the electro-acoustic jazz quintet Indigo Seven. A project that has become very important in my development as a composer and trumpeter. Again, themes of science fiction are prevalent in this album.

The band's sound and concept are driven by a focus on compositions based in modal jazz and funk inspired vamps.

Portals opens the album with the band already established within a medium groove and trumpet solo. The tune sets the mood of the album as a searching and exploratory sense over a driving pulse. Portals reminds the listener of the infinity of the multiverse, where one can exist in a multitude of planes and times.

Decoy is a medium up swing tune with an ABA form. Compositionally inspired by the music of the mid to late 60's, I remember being so stuck trying to figure out a bridge section for this tune. What ended up being the bridge was just a "for now" thing I wrote to buy time and allow the tune to develop. The bridge is actually my favorite part of the tune. The rhythm section dives right in.

Moon is a a slower, open sounding vamp based composition that is meant to suggest to the listener of slowly traveling to and back from the moon. This is the meditative piece. The rhythm section maintains a rhythmic vamp that provides opportunity for the soloist to stretch. The bridge section keeps the listener and the musicians grounded.

Trenches, another medium up tempo tune, is an 8 bar form with a guitar/trumpet melody set over hits by the rhythm section. The tune finishes with a fiery and swinging drum solo.

Babylon's Ashes is named for the 6th book in The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey. The song is an AABBA form that will remind the listener of previous compositions such as Black Rock, Outer Space and Ceres Station. The melody is stated by the trumpet with the guitar responding in kind. The tune has a sense of urgency over a driving rock groove.

Our Streets, set over a funk beat, is dedicated to those fighting for equal rights in the United States. Whether for LGBTQ+, Black Lives Matters, Women's Rights, etc. There are thousands fighting and working toward a better society. Do not forget to vote in every election.

Balance closes the album with an open swing groove in 3/4 time.This tune made its first appearance on 2014's Time Circuit. This song just fit so well within the context of the band I had to add it in. Written at the same time as Decoy, the bridge was actually envisioned as a rhythmic contrast to the A section with the band using it as a means to spring board for the soloists.


This album is dedicated to my father in law, Terry Talbot. A drummer who can't deny a good groove.

This album is also dedicated to the memory of Jack Kosiba. We will miss you.