Those new to Serbian jazz might think of a certain ethno-jazz that blends, often superficially, different traditions and musical worlds. But Mellophonium readers are already well acquainted with the output of the A.Ma Records label, which, among other recordings, has a specific focus on "New Serbian Wave," and have heard Rastko Obradovic as a sideman on albums by Shijuka Quintet, Milos Colovic, Irina Pavlovic, and others. The brilliant saxophonist has chosen as his traveling companions for this solo debut three talented musicians with whom he is linked by artistic collaboration and friendship: the virtuoso Vladan Veljkovic on piano and synth bass, Aleksandar Petrovic on guitar, and Nikola Banovic on drums. The compositions, written by Obradovic with the exception of "Prisoner and the Soldier," a two-part piece credited to the aforementioned Veljkovic, exude an atmosphere that echoes the best of European and American jazz. The album opens with "Kanda," a zigzagging composition in odd time that combines great instrumental skill and melodic exploration, immediately establishing a valuable yet accessible product. But more than singling out one song over another, it's the quartet's overall mood that's compelling, and considering the leader is only 24, their maturity is striking. Good news from Belgrade for the future of European jazz.