Still perhaps better known as an accompanist than a leader, Newton has done excellent work under his own name during the past two decades. Similarly, guitarist Oxley (associated like Newton with Stacey Kent) and bassist (and label owner) Cleyndert have achieved much individually, while being regarded as essentially accompanists. This relaxed but creative session places a necessary focus on their joint creativity, and is a pleasure to dig into, despite its apparently laid-back surface. Conceived as a follow-up to the label’s first offering, by the trio of Cleyndert, Oxley and the late Colin Purbrook (My Ideal, TR555 – still occupying a favoured place on my shelves), it emerges as more muscular than you first expect. The melodic lead, usually shared between piano and guitar, is taken by Cleyndert on Jobim’s ‘Por Toda Minha Vida’ (lovely bowing) and ‘Why Did I Choose You?’, and doubtless he also suggested the brisk version of Pettiford’s ‘Laverne Walk’. But all three musicians make this highly listenable, and not just as dinner jazz.