Since gaining recognition as a member of Ambrose Akinmusire’s band, New York-based double bassist Harish Raghavan has made steady progress as a leader in his own right, and this latest release consolidates that upward curve. His writing negotiates an interesting path between complexity and accessibility insofar as pieces often have a melodic, almost rock anthem feel offset by ear-catching harmony and texture created by the choice of instrumentation and the skill of improvisers. Above, all Morgan Guerin makes a sizeable impact with his EWI (electric wind instrument), which stands as a dreamy, hazy cousin to Joel Ross’ glassy vibraphone and Charles Altura’s piercing guitar, lending to the music a smouldering energy that is enhanced by the finely propulsive drumming of the masterful Eric Harland.

Well-anchored by Raghavan’s bass, which has a good dynamic range, full of smart swoops to the lower register and steady climbs to the upper, this is an ensemble that has all the technical prowess of a headlining band.

However, it also has a lyricism that moves stealthily from plaintive to meditative to resolute. The overarching theme of the album is life under covid, with its highs and lows, so that emotional span feels just about right.