Kansas City jazz ensemble Shay Estes & Trio ALL — drummer Zack Albetta, bassist Ben Leifer, and pianist Mark Lowrey — releases its debut album, Despite Your Destination, this weekend.

“We’re really excited about the variety of material we’re presenting,” said Lowrey, 29. “We’re trying to cross over into the realm of modern jazz by writing arrangements of songs that aren’t staples in jazz repertoire.”

Instead of the old standards, you’ll hear jazzy reimaginings of The Beatles’ “Across the Universe,” The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” and Tom Waits’ “Little Drop of Poison.”

The album title comes from the lyrics of “Under the Milky Way,” originally by new wave band The Church. That track was the first arrangement Estes and Lowrey worked on together five years ago.

“A lot of this material has been out there for five years and has evolved and grown into something else,” said Estes, 29. “The songs we chose are ones that felt very lived-in. Comfortable.”

Listen for a musical cameo by saxophonist Mark Southerland and guest vocals from Jeff Harshbarger — both titans of the local jazz scene.

You can find Despite Your Destination at Streetside Records in Westport, The Kansas City Store on the Plaza, Prospero’s Books on 39th Street, a few area Barnes and Noble locations, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com and eventually on iTunes.

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Shay Estes & Trio ALL CD-release party

What: Two release shows for the jazz ensemble’s debut album, Despite Your Destination, with special guest Mark Southerland
When: 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Jardine’s Restaurant and Jazz Club, 4536 Main St.
Cost: $5
Info: Call 816.561.6480 for reservations.