As Grammy nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn looks out the window of her 11th-floor hotel room in Tokyo, she describes the surrounding skyscrapers, the yellow and pink clouds floating by and Messages — her fourth project to date as a leader. In part, Messages is intended to be a word of encouragement to anyone making tough choices — a reminder that we all make sacrifices. Sometimes, the difficulties encountered along the way are worth it, though. The bandleader’s pared back her ensemble, eschewing the personnel of a big band, but retaining the avant-playfullness of the Sun Ra Arkestra. Ruminations on family, friendship and love all circulate among the 10 original compositions on the album.