Scots-born multi-instrumentalist Hastings’ versatility has allowed him to figure in everything from ship’s bands to big-name orchestras, from pop and rock sessions to West End musicals, as well as in myriad small jazz groups and teaching roles over his lengthy career. Cook and Morton called him ‘a doughty trouper’ for good reason. Here he is heard in a pared-down situation with his frequent associate, the star pianist John Horler, their efforts caught live at the Stables at Wavendon and culled from Hastings’ own archives. The eight pieces are all originals, their origins shared 50/50, the opening ‘Minor Dance’, by Horler featuring Hastings’ superb, full-sounding flute as he balances agility with elegance in masterclass fashion. The ever nimble Horler moves his improvisations in multiple directions, the keyboard command quite exemplary, the harmonic choices recalling Bill Evans, always his principal inspiration. ‘Cobbler’s Castle’ reveals yet more of Horler’s adroit facility, Hastings sinuous on tenor before he returns to the flute in bravura, Galway-like fashion on ‘Take It Easy’, clearly a command that he rejects for this is tour-de-force playing by any criterion. ‘Jumbo’ by Hastings is more ethereal, mysterious even, Horler’s interjections suggesting an awareness of the ‘free’ school. His ‘3/4 Peace’ is finished to perfection by Hastings’ skittish soprano, Horler’s keyboard ideas appealingly diverse and quixotic as they head into a collective jam to finish. Consider these duets as akin to chamber jazz, two brilliant musical minds happily absorbed in generating pleasure from their responses to the material in front of them. If flute predominates then so be it. Listen to be captivated.