Matt Ulery: “Sifting Stars” (Woolgathering Records). The mystical quality of Chicago bassist-composer Ulery’s music never fails to cast its spell, regardless of the size or character of the ensemble in question. Here Ulery leads a large group with strings, reeds and horns, plus the other worldly vocals of Grazyna Auguscik and the disarming intimations of singer Katie Ernst. The chords may seem elemental, but they’re unconventional in progression and reflective of Ulery’s compelling earlier work.