Prolific bassist Jon von Boehm has appeared on countless projects as a session musician, but he’s now turned to the next chapter with the release of his eponymous solo debut late last year. Over the course of two years, Boehm occupied his free time by writing eight of the nine tracks one by one while simultaneously working on other projects.

In addition to Boehm, the album’s hefty crop of talented musicians includes Michael Green (drums), Walter Scott (keys), Michael Gutierrez and Chris West (saxophone), Denny Jiosa, Jonathan Crone, Dann Glenn, Ben Badenhorst and Scott Goudeau (guitar), Kenny Zarider (piano and keys) and Lara Landon (vocals). Together, Boehm and friends experiment with often unpredictable instrumentation, varying tempos and thoughtful melodies in what sounds like an hour-long jazz-fusion jam session.

Although Boehm’s bass serves as the album’s funky centerpiece, the other instruments have sufficient breathing room and share the spotlight equally. “Mr. Uncertainty” maintains a smooth and steady groove, while “Funk in a Bizzle” jumps from ambient guitar work by Jonathan Crone to aggressive percussion by Michael Green within a matter of seconds. If you’re a fan of the sax, check the album’s opener, “The Machine Lies,” as well as “Selleck P.I.,” a six-minute track complemented by Scott Goudeau’s electrifying guitar solo. Boehm ties the album together with his own spin on The Brothers Johnson’s 1978 track “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now,” which features Lara Landon’s buttery-smooth vocals layered over the album’s most infectious groove.

Jon von Boehm’s self-titled album is one jazz-fusion fans will naturally gravitate towards, but it’s also accessible to non-jazz listeners. And as someone who doesn’t listen to much jazz, I can attest that it’s worth a listen.

The album is available on iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, as well as at jonvonboehm.bandcamp.com. Visit jonvonboehm.com for more information on the artist.