When he’s not holding down the alto sax chair of Arturo O’Farrill’s Orchestra, alto saxist David Bixler creates an impressive catalogue of his own. This one has the Phil Woods-inspired saxist mixing jazz and strings in a tasty fashion on four originals. The jazz section includes Bixler with lyrical toned Mike Rodriguez, pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Luke Sellick and Fabio Rojas on the percussion with a string team of Judith Ingolfsson, Heather Martin Bixler, Josh Kail and Rubin Kodheli adding lovely drapery. Bixler’s alto gives a rich solo intro to the bluesy “Trenches” while yearning with the cheery strings on the lovely and moody “Origins”. Rodriguez’s muted trumpet blends marvelously with the strings with reflective piano by Cowherd on the thoughtful “My Soul Swoons Slowly” and the modern sounding “Motherland” is a rich collection of flavors. A fertile chamber.