Lien's trio have been tottering on the brink of making an album that actually builds on, rather than equals, Hello Troll. Why this hasn't happened is a bit of a mystery, but may have much to do with Lien's musical curiosity in pushing in several directions at once (such as his free jazz outing on Kattenslager or his more recent albums with voice). Certainly exploring different paths is a laudable ambition, but maybe this collaboration with Adam Bałdych has focused minds. Lien is an enormously talented pianist, and a superb accompanist to boot (as he showed when he took over Tord Gustavsen's spot with Silje Nergaard) and this album is one of those collaborations that really works. While the violin has never really been en vogue the very best jazz violinists seem to be able to transcend their instrument with the clarity and originality of their musical thinking. Bałdych is one such, a powerful musical personality who seems a perfect fit for the Lien trio, who definitely up their game and are on their best behaviour here.