It was Phronesis founder Jasper Høiby who first brought rising guitarist and composer Karim Saber to the attention of Ubuntu Music’s director Martin Hummel, and it is Høiby who co-produces this debut album from the young British-Iranian musician.

Saber studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and it was during his time there that he met the members of his band, who provide skilful, imaginatively energetic support on Transmission, which grew out of a residency at MAP Café in Kentish Town.

The title track has a characteristic kind of open-ended potentiality: as it emerges from the noirish shadows of its opening moments amidst the skittering runs of pianist Alex Wilson, there’s a sense that rhythm duo John Jones (bass) and Jack Thomas (drums) might steer its powerful engine in any one of a number of different directions. ‘Turner’ is a dreamy ballad that showcases some wonderfully understated playing from Saber on guitar and Matt Cook on tenor saxophone. Memorable, shifting tunes and dynamic playing add up to a very promising debut.