Rutz's horn is warm and embracing in each setting, glistening on the more Spartan themes, making the various colors and textures presented here woven like a Raphael tapestry. - Jazz Weekly. "Figure Two: New Designs" is the second volume from Chicago trumpeter and composer Markus Rutz's Blueprints series. While 2019's "Figure One: Frameworks" honored Markus's mentors, family and the musical greats who influenced his sound and career, New Designs looks to the future with new discoveries in personal and musical growth. Navigating diverse ensemble and stylistic directions through 6 original compositions and jazz standards by McCoy Tyner, Sam Rivers and Frank Foster, Rutz conjures intrigue, beauty and dynamism through his orchestrations which include sparkling ensemble passages and intimate duets. With saxophonist Brice Winston, bassist Marcos Varela, drummers Xavier Breaker and Marcus Evans, Adrian Ruiz on piano, guitarist Matt Gold and Heitor Garcia on percussion, the volumes of Blueprints capture a compelling moment in an artist's journey. "... a big, dark tone and a fluid ease to his phrasing makes him seem relaxed even when unleashing a volley of 16th notes... " Downbeat.