Jazz bassist Jeff Dingler spends time between New York City and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he’s professor of bass, music theory and composition at Mekene Yesus University. Not your typical jazz album, his eight compositions demonstrate myriad eclectic worldly influences of sounds, traditions and interpretations. “Merkato Navigation,” for example, is a bebop depiction of a very busy place in Addis Ababa. “Sebat” (meaning “seven”) combines Ethiopian pentatonic elements with a 7/8 Balkan groove. While teaching in Ethiopia, Dingler learned from local musicians about their musical traditions. “Bati Celebration,” “Addis Blues,” and “Way Home” illustrate such ties. Inspired by travel, flight, family and nostalgic thoughts of home, Dingler’s “In Transit” is a joyful exploration of creativity and discipline. His lyrical bass solos are soulful, but the arrangements and dynamics are truly brought to life with the masterful stylings of Brad Shepik (guitar), Lou Rainone (piano), Gusten Rudolph (drums), and Josh Bailey (percussion). It’s a mature, multi-layered jazz sound with considerable depth and perception.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)