The unconventional instrumentation - three horns, violin, Bill Frisell on guitar, a pianoless rhythm section - is explained by Potter's wish to evoke an ad hoc town band and is strikingly effective, while the pieces themselves draw fluently and expertly on a range of Americana and jazz styles and absolutely convey their respective subjects, adding just enough contemporary filtering to underline the wry comparisons with today's America. Unreservedly recommended.

Alive With Ghosts Today is not an easy listen, not because it is not a good album; in fact, it is a triumph of artistic vision, but because it demands the listener to do more than "listen." It is a thought-provoking statement from one of the great artists of today, passing judgment on society through the lens of examining the past and demanding that we act to finally put those ghosts to rest so that we can positively impact the society of both today and tomorrow.

But there's enough groove and ecstatic playing to satisfy even the passing listener. Quite how Potter wrings such epic but intimate sounds from a small band reflects his arranging skills and the deep commitment of the band. Enjoy. And listen.