Light and lyrical, this is the debut studio set from the trio founded in 2007 and led by New Zealandborn, Germany-based altoist Hayden Chisholm. (There is an earlier on-stage recording from 2013, Live at Plush.) Classical influences are in evidence on this delicate collection of nine originals (six by Chisholm, two by bassist and fellow Kiwi Matt Penman, and one by the fine Brit pianist John Taylor). The trio are certainly capable of kicking up their heels – as on ‘Tinkerbell Swing’ – but the drummerless configuration means there's no locking of a groove. Airy and exploratory, the writing and playing are of a very high calibre and in their pastoral feel might suggest a jazz-classical treatment of a Shakespeare off-to-the-woods comedy: As You Like It, perhaps. Closer ‘Fly’ is a lovely ballad while ‘Pass a Cage, Lea’ is a guilefully appealing take on the classical passacaglia, with Penman's repeated bass part to the fore – though some might find the punning title regrettable.