As previously reported, Hodgkins, once released from exigencies of administration, rekindled his desire to play with both his special tribute band devoted to Humph's memory [see Jazzwise 277] and this smaller affair, with which he also toured.

As ever, Chris ticked several boxes at once, with South Korean pianist Yoo alongside the UK's Rayner, and US guitarist Wilkinson as the front-line companion to Welsh-born Hodgkins. So yes, definitely a UN-approved assembly!

Unsurprisingly, the choice of material is similarly varied, not to say eclectic, with Yoo given ‘Body and Soul’ largely to herself, the impressive Rayner's strong lines equally noteworthy. Ms Yoo, now resident in New York, is a fascinating new find, content with a ballad or a mover and happy to collaborate with Wilkinson on Rayner's ‘Two Hats and A Paper Bag’, a jigsaw-like piece which just runs and runs. Otherwise, it's Hodgkins who we hear most, his tone and attack much in the Eldridge manner, with a variety of mutes to hand. He puts his Harmon mute to work on a deeply felt reading of ‘Angel Eyes’ before Wilkinson and Yoo give the guitarist's original ‘Martino's Waltz’ a cheery going -over. ‘I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan’ is stately, with Chris fronting, Yoo and then Wilkinson soloing with pleasing restraint. The final ‘Flying Home’, arranged by Wilkinson, is nicely voiced and swings too, Yoo enjoying the harmonic challenge, Hodgkins referencing Charlie Shavers. All very engaging stuff.