Formed about a year ago, the Winds of Change saxophone quartet steps out for its first recording venture on this self-produced CD. Filling this impressive debut are all original numbers from the pens of co-producers, tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Sheik Rasheed and baritone saxophonist and bass clarinetist Mikiel A. Williams.

Everybody in this New Orleans ensemble plays multiple reeds with Chris Klein alternating between flute and tenor sax and Earle Brown switching from tenor and soprano saxophones to clarinet. It offers the group a myriad of harmonic possibilities on program of music that also provides a diversity of rhythms.

The album moves from the light-hearted mood of Williams’ “Choie’s Gone” with the baritonist leading the way into the sway. Later his “T-Bo” jumps into a danceable secondline beat that receives encouragement from some clapping hands. Rasheed’s “Blue Sphere” also has New Orleans at its heart with the clarinet suggesting traditional jazz with the saxes then changing gear into some swinging rhythm and blues.

There are more meditative moments here as heard in the serenity of “Mawaqit.” On the other hand, as the title suggests, “Wandering Out” does just that. It begins melodically and rhythmically enough with the saxes riffing while the flute floats above, but then heads to further spheres. Fun is in the air by the disc’s end when the punctuated “Big Cheeky” takes over. Clapping and yelling enliven the high-stepping tune.

Fresh Air isn’t a slickly produced CD and it comes with some imperfections. Some fine blowing on solid originals make up for the flaws and certainly encourage listeners to head out to their local clubs to check out Winds of Change.