Target or Flag

In Ken Vandermark’s voluminous, still-growing portfolio of projects, the Vandermark 5 still stands out as his key early ensemble, and one of the defining avant-jazz groups of the late ‘90s and beyond. The unique blend of influences that informed the band is on full display here, in a program that embraces springy groove, Euro-style free improv and even chilled-out cool jazz, reflected respectively in “Sucker Punch,” “8K” and “New Luggage,” pieces dedicated in turns to Phelps “Catfish” Collins, Peter Brötzmann and Shelly Manne. Vandermark’s sharp, ear-catching writing, a trio of compelling soloists (Vandermark, who plays both clarinets and tenor sax; Mars Williams on saxophones; and Jeb Bishop, a double threat on trombone and often-incendiary guitar), and the versatile rhythm team of bassist Kent Kessler and drummer Tim Mulvenna make this a small group with the richness of an orchestra.