Pianist/composer/arranger Markus puts together a thoroughly enjoyable and varied disc that ranges from trio work with Jose Javier Freire/dr and Scott Whitney/b to quartets and quintets that include violinist Federico Britos and percussionist Rajesh Bhandari as well as guests with accordion a cello in tow. A cozy trio samba on ”Sojourner” displays some lovely jazz chops, while classical strains float to the top on “Sleepless Night,” a Lisztian “Wehmut” as well as a gracious “Schubert Impromptu.” With Middle Eastern percussion, Billy Strayhorn’s “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing” coyly undulates, while “Invitation has a loose swing with the added violin. Melancholia is evident on the thoughtful “Lilly” and the closing “Dark Horses” has an exciting drive. You’ll like this guy!