This is an album of sophisticated contemporary jazz played by some of Europe’s leading jazz musicians. Perico Sambeat is highly regarded on the European scene, and is the leading voice in this ensemble on alto saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute, all instruments whose lighter tonality present a feeling of openness, sunshine and possibilities. André Fernandes on guitar is a leading exhibit on the Portuguese jazz scene, and has an impressive CV of name American and European collaborations, while the Finnish pianist Alexi Tuomarila adds a touch of class to any ensemble he graces. Six of the compositions are by Fernandes and one by Sambeat and all are well crafted, with Demian Cabaud on bass and lago Fernandez on drums flexible enough to move from the explicit ooom-pah beat of ‘Abrat’ to a light and airy feel on ‘Chifre’. Throughout the leader demonstrates why he is so highly thought of in his native land with very personal tone settings and the ability to surprise (‘Anti-Hero’) with unexpected effects.