When Cross Culture was released in early 2013, tenor saxophonist/multi-reedist Joe Lovano’s intriguing Us Five band was far enough along that it had “classic” and “new” lineups. For its first two albums, the quintet featured Lovano, pianist James Weidman, double bassist Esperanza Spalding, and drummers Francisco Mela and Otis Brown III. Peter Slavov later alternated on the road with Spalding as her own obligations expanded, and she’s heard here on the blusterous “Blessings in May,” the classic Ellington-Strayhorn ballad “Star-Crossed Lovers” (the only non-Lovano piece), and the spirited “Modern Man.” Cross Culture actually expands to Us Six for most of the album; Lionel Loueke plays electric guitar on six tracks, while Slavov and Spalding double up on the probing “Golden Horn.”