Award-winning Dutch guitarist Jesse Van Ruller changes gear on his second Criss Cross album, fronting a stellar quartet with Seamus Blake (tenor sax), Sam Yahel (organ) and Bill Stewart (drums). On his first release he focused mainly on standards and classic jazz vehicles. In contrast, CIRCLES showcases the leader's compositional talents first and foremost. In addition to six varied Van Ruller originals and one by Blake the group offers a reading of "Gone With The Wind" and a brisk, odd-metered rendition of the Irving Berlin classic, "Cheek To Cheek". With his crisp tone, fluid phrasing and vibrant imagination, Van Ruller continues to stake his claim as one of the globe's most promising straightahead jazz stylists.