Song for Alice is a sleeper. Unheralded and overlooked, the latest release by Dave Scott is worthy of consideration for jazz album of the year. The trumpeter originally from the Kansas City area is joined by saxophonist Rich Perry, pianist Gary Versace, bassist Johannes Weidenmuller and drummer Mark Ferber on the 2022 recording released in January by Steeplechase Records. Contrary to the title of the closing track “Indistinct Chatter,” the quintet’s free explorations are razor sharp and crystal clear. Only improvisers who have completely mastered straight-ahead forms can render outside contexts with such magnificently controlled eloquence.