This is a fine example of Fred Hersch's art. Recorded live in Brussels, it was the trio's second to last concert of a three-week European tour in November 2017. Perhaps what makes this the album it is, is the fact that the trio had no idea they were being recorded until after the concert. Taken directly from the mixing desk, as Hersch himself says: “The band was in terrific playing form, the acoustics were perfect, the piano was outstanding and the recording was first class.” What Live In Europe captures is the essence of music-making in the creative moment, the learned and intuitive responses to each other's playing, and how inspirational moments can suddenly blossom from small beginnings. It has the makings of a minor classic, illustrating perfectly how the essence of jazz is realised in live performance. Just one small example: ‘Skipping’ first appeared on the album Whirl (Palmetto) in 2010. It was the first album by this edition of the trio, and the way the piece has morphed and grown is an impeccable example of where this trio are at today.