Self-released

A consummate sideman, pianist Erik Deutsch has played second fiddle to everyone from eight-string guitar great Charlie Hunter to singer/songwriter Erin McKeown and now, Norah Jones. But he’s a formidable leader in his own right, and he proves it on Hush Money, an instrumental album full of atmosphere and attitude. Fronting a sextet of his own, Deutsch steers his men and bassoonist Sara Schoenbeck—through ten moody originals, each one a unique adventure. “Black Flies,” ” a tango, features a delightfully jagged guitar solo from his former Fat Mama bandmate Jonathan Goldberger, and a spirited coda that dissolves into ambient bliss. “Hearts for Purple Lions” is alternately meditative and soulful, like a war movie with live accompaniment from a blues pianist. “Dirty Osso Bucco.” ”is a horn-centric soul jazz affair.