Skopje Jazz Inc.'s debut album is contemporary jazz of character and drive. The musicians, seasoned members of the Macedonian scene, approach this record with gusto, energy, and sensitivity. While trumpeter Traj?e Velkov and guitarist Zoran Kostadinovski each contributed the compositions to Incorporated, there is an exceptional equanimity on display, which makes it seem like each composition was written with the others in mind. There are plenty of melodies and the quartet's feisty interplay explores the themes in all directions. The .tracks range from aggressive swingers to gentle and lyrical ballads.

There is a sneaky power to this band's music. The compositions seem to bloom and the ensemble rarely opens a track with a loud announcement. A prime example is the opening track, "The Professional," where Skopje Jazz Inc. builds its musical story layer by layer. Everything seems to flow and everyone seems to act like a painter. Playing at the center is trumpeter Velkov, who ranges wide melodically. The rhythm section expertly signposts each twist and change of mood while maintaining a dialogue of cymbal pings, bass counterpoints and press rolls. The quartet is joined by Kiril Kuzmanov on flute who paints a beautiful picture with his colorful bravuras.

The quartet keeps the lively energy well in hand on "Unclo Zo, Run," a bop cut. Velkov plays and leads with fearless gusto and kinetic bursts here with his