Oddsong: “Jailhouse Doc with Holes in Her Socks”

Esteemed jazz composer Darrell Katz has a new ensemble called “Oddsong,” which is how many first-time listeners might describe every track on “Jailhouse Doc with Holes in Her Socks.” No drums. No bass. No piano. Instead, a chamber music melange of strings, saxophones, marimba and voice (the elegant Rebecca Shrimpton). Most of the arrangements are set to the poetry of the late Paula Taturnis, Katz’s wife. One track draws inspiration from “Winesburg, Ohio.” This is highly literary music, deeply concerned with finding beautiful colors and shapes in unlikely places. Expert players all, the ensemble improvises bravely and plays with group cohesion. Odd? Maybe. Worth repeated listenings? Definitely.