Justin Chart has no fear. He is persistently original. 

 Without the accompaniment of a piano or guitar, suddenly even the most conventional song is just wide-open space.  Jazz is always looking for somewhere new to go, new territories to explore, AVENUE takes us into the realm of musical bravado and sonic brawn, 
Chart's saxophone and Toftgaard's trombone pave the way.

This band seems to exist as one organism: Justin is a seamless contrapuntal motion supported by deep, driving swing from his rhythm section. Their collective restraint leaves plenty of breathing room, both for each other and for the listener, "Aware and Debonaire" swings cool and clean with Chart flawlessly phrasing his solos.
 "Yugen You" and Yugen Me" feature Chart and Toftgaard soloing together sublimely showing us the complex improvisational style of baritone saxophone and trombone playing in altered scales, the 7th mode of a melodic minor shines through. 
With Charts' melodies, there’s something fresh to hear every time. People don’t like to be challenged these days, being truly original, Chart makes it simple enough for the listener to be able to immediately become part of the song, he is cool and clever, with interesting dynamic changes and relentless power. Chart's chops, and spontaneous phrases are masterful.
Art should reflect the world it is made in,  AVENUE is an instrumental album that has multiple uses, from late night, up town, blues bar to relaxing mood music for the home, sultry enough to make the perfect night time vibe.
The listener is privy to ideas being worked out, experiments taking place, and mostly, endless creativity.
Powerful progressions of notes are finely balanced by space and anticipation, Chart and Toftgaard are completely dialed in on this record. "Solivagant Soul" is another beautiful sample of the unique tapestry this album has to offer. 
Chart's sound is soulful and joyous as he opens the door for others to shine as well. Matt Lesser on drums is fantastic as he takes a long and formidable solo on "Four Ever". Joakim Toftgaard effortlessly swinging lead on " Eunoia" supremely confident as a swaggering gunslinger in action, while bass lines are driving and rooted in melody.

A stunning, sound with big, solid, weighty bass, drums that pop and symbols and brush strokes that swish and sparkle. Justin's saxophone is so clear, intense and biting that it really keeps you engaged.
AVENUE is full of nuance, taking little twists and turns with one of the driving forces at the heart of this tidal wave of compelling musical poetry, is bassist Bill Markus. Markus's arco bass solo on "Tone of Truth" is right up there with Mingus. 
Chart makes a point of telling a story with the most powerful and potent of harmonious expressions. 
 Ever generous,  Chart gives space on AVENUE for everyone to express and convey their feelings and talent.
AVENUE is a unique and modern approach to post-bop jazz. 
What Chart has created here is something new, something at the cutting edge of jazz but also something grounded in the history of the genre.

Doug Turner
Jazz Historian