In 2008, saxophonist Larry Ankrum felt the urge to record again. It had been 16 years since the release of his debut album, It Cannot Be Exhausted by Use, and over six since collaborating with New Orleans trombonist Jeff Albert in the Albert- Ankrum Project. The seasoned musician and world traveler also felt compelled to return to the Crescent City. In May of 2008, with songs already composed, Ankrum called upon longtime friends pianist Joe Ashlar, bassist David Pulphus, and drummer Kevin O’Day, to join him for a one-day session at Piety Street Recording. The eight tracks captured during this session comprise Ankrum’s latest offering, Without Reasons, a bouncy be-bop affair with a distinct New Orleans flavor.

It begins with “The Bywater,” a sweet, sunlit stroll down to the bohemian neighborhood where Ankrum once resided. With bright, playful flourishes, Ankrum’s soprano sax dances about the beat as Ashlar’s chords sink into sumptuous melody. Then, seamlessly and subtly, Ashlar ascends to the top of the nimble groove, his keys merrily prancing alongside the agile pulse. This is a formula that, throughout, the group executes to perfection. Credit Ankrum’s superb arrangements and the musicians’ strength as an ensemble, their ability to absorb themselves into the material and to move through each tune with patience, passion, and precision.

Their emphasis on tone, texture, space, and nuance is best illustrated on the title track, a regal, reflective ballad where Ashlar’s sentimental swells soothe Ankrum’s wistful wanderings, and again on the effervescent reverie “Three Wishes,” where the spirited interplay between Pulphus and O’Day illuminates their counterparts’ melodic swoops.

While expertly performed, there are a few moments on Without Reasons which feel a bit too polished. Still, the album remains lush and vibrant, never transparent or monotonous. Like the springy, second line snare roll on the sweeping frolic “Rakin’ the Yard,” Without Reasons’ pleasures lie in the simple expressiveness of a poignant swing.