Forming in 2012, followed by a self-titled debut in 2015, Snowy Egret is accessibly leftfield composer-pianist Myra Melford’s most recent endeavour. It features the idiosyncratic Colorado-based cornetist Ron Miles, a memorable sideman for Bill Frisell and more recently Joshua Redman’s formidable Ornette-inspired Still Dreaming ensemble. On the new recording, Miles sounds especially touched by the spirit of his namesake and drummer Tyshawn Sorey, guitarist Liberty Ellman and bassist Stomu Takeishi also add their distinctive voices to the interactive heart of the ensemble; the latter pair associates of Henry Threadgill, one of Melford’s few discernible influences. Anyone who’s seen her onstage will know her as an effervescent, visceral performer, but on The Other Side of Air we hear moments of tranquillity in the softly yearning, unsentimental lyricism on ballads ‘Chorale’ and the closing ‘Turn and Coda’. While ‘Living Music’ joins the dots between Jackie Byard and Cecil Taylor, others offer playful dance grooves with tango and other African roots, adding further fuel to an entirely stimulating recording.