It could be argued that major labels, with few exceptions, have always had the tendency to follow, rather than take, the lead. Certainly if you're looking for the next Tigran then the 31-year-old pianist Isfar Sarabski from neighbouring Azberbaijan at least has the right credentials. He was the winner of the solo piano competition at Montreux Jazz Festival and merges influences from contemporary jazz, rock, funk and hip-hop with his background in classical and his native folk music. But for the big debut recording on Warner Music, he has done the musical equivalent of rigidly following Covid lockdown guidelines by playing it too safe.

Planet is predominantly a compositional-based album although improvisation also plays its part. Diversity is Sarabski's middle name, and his contemporary sensibilities mean he can seamlessly shift between minimalist classical-flavoured hooks, Brad Mehldauish rock-inspired changes - the stellar pianist's key drumming partner Mark Guiliana is a trio member – jolting riffs and tricky odd-metered loops occasionally reminiscent of pianist Hiromi, neo-fusion/post-hiphop grooves and dreamy movie-like themes. The string ensemble arrangements are on the predictable side and very functional, either doubling up on or counterpointing the themes. A couple of originals are interestingly based on the pianist's native traditional music known as Mugham with Shahriyar Imanov guesting on the lute-like Tar. They are influenced by the ground-breaking folk-jazz fusion of compatriot Vagif Mustafazadeh. While Sarabski's innate musicality is very clear, at the moment it's all potential.