Of the four musicians that make up the Saturn Quartet, saxophonist Ricardo Pascal is the best known since he is a member of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. But all four contribute equally to their compelling debut, Synchronicities. They began playing together while matriculating through the Jazz Studies program at Florida State University and the album is produced by drummer and vocalist Jamison Ross, another product of the Jazz Studies program in Florida.

The seven tracks on the album feature compositions from Pascal, pianist Brendan Polk and bassist Robin Sherman. Gerald Watkins rounds out the band on drums. The album also features covers of Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” and John Coltrane’s “Satellite.”

Much of Pascal’s playing is understated and gentle, showcasing his airy tone. Polk’s work is outstanding, particularly on “Moon River” as he moves beyond the familiar melody creating plenty of open space between the notes. The rhythm section is sensitive to the needs of the lead instruments while swinging with gusto especially on Polk’s “New York Streets.”

Following the soothing tones of “Jenny Wren” (a relatively obscure composition by Paul McCartney from his 2005 album Chaos and Creation in the Backyard) comes the most challenging cut on the album—Coltrane’s intense workout. Watkins kicks it off with a powerful roll and the tune barrels forth. Pascal echoes some of the reaching notes of the original, but the band stays away from veering totally into out jazz territory.

Sherman’s “Nita” provides another opportunity for Polk to set the tone before Pascal comes in with a gentle cascade of notes—more a winding stream than a waterfall. Sherman’s widely spaced bass line and Watkins soft cymbal crashes are understated, yet fully in service of the melody. The tune starts slow, builds and then softly ends—just beautiful—just like the whole album.