It’s hard to imagine more congenial jazz company than Loueke; his wit, warmth and easeful way of challenging and changing our expectations about music constantly surprise and delight. A 2018 vinyl release from Newvelle, this new CD re-issue is augmented by three extra covers: Monk’s ‘We See’, Hoagy Carmichael’s perennial ‘Skylark’ and, most spectacularly, Coltrane’s ‘Countdown’. Each is a welcome addition, with ‘Skylark’ given a calypso intro, revealing Loueke as playful as he is attentive and innovative, while ‘Countdown’ by contrast, if not exactly sheets of sound, is an outpouring of notes that despite the tempo changes remains almost laconic. Moreover programming the trio driven ‘Countdown’ between two duos - an easy swinging ‘It Might as Well be Spring’ with Rogers and an intimate, Frisell-coloured ‘Moon River’ with the ever teasing Harland - also enriches the listening experience.

Recorded in a crossover day between tours with Corea and Hancock, playing a set of standards must have been a refreshing contrast for Loueke. That he gives us back such new visions of music we thought we knew so well is equally refreshing and a privilege to enjoy.