Smulyan is the premier baritone saxophonist of our day – versatile, yet irresistibly creative, as he helms this programme of Tadd Dameron compositions. Not just another quartet blowing date, the session is heightened by the presence throughout of young vocalist Reno, a student of Malinverni’s at Purchase College in New York State where Smulyan also teaches. She’s heard on the opening ‘Whatever Possessed Me’, her classy dynamics and maturity showcasing the tune and its lyrics perfectly, as Smulyan follows at medium tempo, crunch-toned but wonderfully agile. Malinverni, a new name to me, comps and solos with boppish concision and hints at Monk ahead of Wong’s plangent break as Reno returns.

In a programme that concentrates on those Dameron pieces for which lyrics exist, we’re denied his more familiar bebop staples so no ‘Good Bait’ or ‘Our Delight’, instead we hear a series of lesser-known pieces, the balance between the vocal interpretation and instrumental commentary very pleasing indeed. If nothing else, the album serves to emphasise what a rare talent Dameron was, a composer who might have flourished in the wider field of musical theatre had the opportunity occurred. Ms Reno is praised for her ‘uncluttered phrasing’, to which add clarity and vocal poise. Her ‘You’re A Joy’ is just that, a joyous excursion, the harmonies pleasingly intricate, Reno manoeuvring ably before Smulyan and Wilson duet. Summing up, Smulyan says, "They’re such beautiful songs to play". And to hear.