Detroit-born, New York City resident, trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and guitarist and vocalist Matt Munisteri, a regular member of the EarRegulars, meet up with New Orleanians clarinetist Evan Christopher and bassist Kerry Lewis for In the Land of Beginning Again. The session was recorded here in the Crescent City.

Because of the instrumentation of the drumless quartet, as well as the selections—originals and covers (none of which are composer-credited)—the music often represents a softer side of traditional jazz.

Any time Evan Christoper blows his clarinet, he contributes a certain elegance to a situation. And though Kellso’s trumpet offers a brasher tone, it pairs well in a musical conversation with the clarinetist on “Kissing My Baby Goodnight.” Lewis’ bowed bass brings richness to “Blues in My Heart,” with Munisteri’s strummed guitar providing the essential rhythmic foundation. The guitarist then takes over for a fine solo of his own.

We learn from the liner notes that one of the few upbeat, swinging tunes on the album, “Out of the Gate,” comes from Kellso’s pen. It offers a good contrast to the quieter, bluesier and more romantic moments on the disc.