Who better than the man himself to describe his solo album. “As you get older you get interested in different things: I’ve mellowed out, got more interested in the quieter moods, colour, harmonies. I always felt I had to fill an album with loads of stuff, cover lots of areas. Now I wanted to do something that is more low key.” But no less intense. Indeed, Held thrives on Rebello tightly focusing on a series of strong tunes that evolve from ear catching melodies into sometimes melancholic meditations, at other times songs of joy. Held is a revelation for those who only think of Rebello doing Jan Hammer impersonations for Jeff Beck (shame on you!). He can be lushly romantic (‘Salad Days’), enigmatic and suggestive (the title track) or giving and meditative, wringing out the sustain on ‘Thanks John’. With 11 songs in barely 45 minutes, Rebello refuses to over egg: we have to make an effort to travel with him, but the rewards are worth it. Rebello has always given plenty as leader, teacher, sideman: now he is giving himself. Enjoy, savour, buy it.