by Thom JurekChoices is composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard's debut recording on the Concord label. And in a career with filled with many shifts and changes, it may be the most radical of all. It features his longtime cohorts, pianist Fabian Almazan, Derrick Hodge on bass, drummer Kendrick Scott, and Lionel Loueke on guitar. Saxophonist Walter Smith III joins the band here as well. In addition there are spoken word readings by intellectual, author, philosopher, and activist Dr. Cornel West, and vocals by neo-soul singer Bilal. The album was recorded in Blanchard's hometown of New Orleans at the Ogden Museum of Art. It's a meld of speculative post-bop, experimental yet accessible song forms, and jazz-initiated atmospheres. That leaves much to the imagination. Check out the opening cut, "Byus," written by Smith. A bassline and some percussive guitar effects by Loueke introduce West speaking about how "smartness" and "braininess" are qualitatively and radically different than wisdom and maturity "when wrestling with what it means to be human, when it comes to making the right, mature choices in life." It's a heady statement for reflection already, but when Blanchard and the band enter right there and weave a harmonically exceptional melody and a series of post-bop statements, it all goes wider and deeper. West re-enters for a moment to elucidate and then it's time for Smith's fine solo as the tune becomes a meditation on post-bop angularities and shifting textures and modes. West appears on six of the album's 15 cuts, either interwoven with the band playing tunes, or a cappella. It's provocative to be sure; and while a bit dense initially because of the complex sonic meld, it's also quite compelling, instructive and uplifting. ...