Stein’s earlier releases on this Maryland-based label earned our appreciation for both their musical quality and for the attention paid to their presentation.

Contemplating this new album by the ex-Berklee guitar instructor seemed to promise more of the same, only for Bil Milkowski’s note to reveal that Stein had suffered a traumatic illness in 2021 which had necessitated a lengthy hospital stay and 12 months of rehabilitation. All this and Covid, too. Now back in shape again, this postponed session reassembles his trio but with the addition of Ms Scott, who Stein knew from Berklee. She scats in harmony with his supple instrumental line on ‘Dig Blues’ and has added affecting lyrics to several of Stein’s originals.

Of the 11 compositions on the album, all but one, Jobim’s ‘Triste’ are his; Scott is heard fetchingly on five. The opening ‘Zip Line’ sets the pace, rightly described by Milkowski as ‘an up-tempo burner’ and confirms the restoration of Stein’s instrumental facility and his finger-tip control. Mostly staying in the dynamic middle ground and demonstrating unflappable coherence and creativity, Stein can make one think of the late Pat Martino, another guitarist, who had to relearn how to play after illness.

Stein says he has always been drawn to the bossa nova, and he has spent extended playing time in Brazil, so that his interpretation of ‘Triste’ is a standout, Lucie and Connors providing the right heartbeat in support. Indeed, throughout, the trio meshes delightfully; three minds thinking as one, for sure. And with the bonus of Ms Scott’s felicitous vocals.