As you would expect from a bass-lead project, this CD is full of strong riffs, sturdy structures and a tight-knit rhythm section working closely as a unit. And bassist/leader Matt Ridley has a solid, woody sound and his smattering of solos are nimble and to the point. But this is essentially a piano trio recording, somewhat in the Phronesis mold, with jerky bass in the holding role and drummer Hart pushing the pulse with press-rolls and beats. Pianist John Turville funnels the energy into his trademark percussive baroque and allows his gentle side to show on the impressionistic ballad ‘The River’. ‘Sari Gelin’ and ‘Hijaz’ add oud, percussion and Jason Yarde on soprano sax, and dabble in the modes and textures of the Middle East. The tracks are atmospheric and add variety, but seem a bit of an add-on. Yarde also appears on the motif-driven, mid-tempo ‘Homage to Kenny Wheeler’. Lighttoned and fluent over a swinging rhythm section, it's one of the best tracks.