From the opening notes, Mulgrew Miller and Wingspan's "The Sequel" sounds reminiscent of Miles Davis' classic "Kind of Blue." The similar sense of cool working through minor chord changes results in a work of unhurried calm. However, Miller is not indulging in ancestor worship. Each of his bandmates has too much to say to simply enjoy the comfy view from any giant's shoulders. They have a calm approach, but their enthusiasm and tight interaction make this one of the best jazz releases of 2002.

His sextet's distinct group sound isn't ashamed of drawing on late-night atmospherics and modal jazz, but they take those textures as guideposts. Their real intention is to pack their numbers full of enthusiastic new sounds. The band has the technique and imagination to stretch the chords to their snapping point, but the maturity to know they'll sound better rolled back up into appealing melodies. They aren't out to impress with frantic tempos or hotshot overplaying, but instead work in a stable groove. Miller's control and awareness on piano guide him to the right chords at the right moments, keeping it all flowing as well as channeled.

The sextet is a band of equals. All of the players are young, but have their own groups and recordings. Most distinctive in the mix is the fluid vibraphone of Steve Nelson. He and Miller add long runs of notes inside the other solos and chords to keep the tunes pulsing. Steve Wilson on sax and Duane Eubanks on trumpet work well against the vibe and piano midfield. They both take extended solos, but they're purged of youthful impetuosity. All of these players clearly respond to Miller's lead and offer up their best.

Miller's playing has never sounded better. In the seven years since his last release as a band leader, he's appeared as a sideman on well over a hundred recordings with a list of young and old masters. He's also come up with eight new compositions for this CD, and they are strikingly accomplished. The opener, "Go East Young Man," has a lead line as neat as a shot of cold gin. "Elation" has a stop-start hard bop line that expresses just what the title says. Another standout track is "Know Wonder," which is stately, proud and aching with emotion. As Miller writes in the liner notes, "I strive to compose beautiful melodies and interpret them with a beat that dances." He's done that and more. Hopefully, this sophisticated modern jazz release will be more of a prequel than a sequel.