Praised for “exuberance, imagination and sheer brio” (Jazz Review UK), called “stunningly beautiful and adventurous” (New York City Jazz Record), and hailed as “one of the best jazz ensembles in the world” (Jazz Podium, Germany), the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra kicks off its 44th season at Scullers Jazz Club Boston. Expect an exhilarating show, featuring the world premiere of Mark Harvey’s Northeast Express, a rollicking shuffle blues evoking the roar and romance of trains for more than a century along the Northeast Corridor. Also on tap: music from Aardvark’s latest CD, Passages, on the Leo Records label (highlights from the disc include Mark Harvey’s Saxophrenia and his piece Spaceways, for Sun Ra), plus the Duke Ellington-Juan Tizol classic Caravan and the Duke Ellington-Johnny Hodges ballad Jeep’s Blues. “Aardvark suggests the best and the brashest of Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, George Russell, and even Frank Zappa.” (JazzTimes) Scullers is located at Doubletree Suites, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA. Tickets: $25. Reservations and information: 617-562-4111. http//www.aardvarkjazz.com