The alto saxophone of Bobby Watson can turn from fiery to tender in a moment, but this album shows both aspects of his playing at sufficient length to appreciate the depth and strength of this great player. His tone and phrasing on the ballad ‘I’m Glad There Is You’ (played with just rhythm accompaniment) is simply ravishing, yet with those characteristic complex little phrase endings that tell us that here is a master post-bop saxophonist. And the blistering opening track has the kind of edge-of-your-seat excitement that he has produced every time I have heard him live, prodded along here by the searing trumpet of Jeremy Pelt plus the hard swinging piano of Cyrus Chestnut, and his old Horizon colleague, bassist Curtis Lundy. On the closing ‘Blues For Alto’, Lundy gets an extended outing amid Watson’s plaintive, singing bluesy phrases.

Talking of which, Curtis’ sister Carmen Lundy makes a guest appearance on the album – her pensive, reflective vocal on ‘Our Love Remains’ is a highlight. Overall this is classy, beautifully played jazz of the highest order, and with a level of perfection that many aspire to but few attain.