Nicolas Kummert made quite an impression with last year's Drifter, in a group he co-leads with pianist Alexi Tuomarila. La Diversité represents his debut as a leader on the Edition label, which is quietly putting together an impressive catalogue of the best young UK and European musicians and bands. Of course, guitarist Lionel Loueke will inevitably emerge as the central exhibit on the album through an international profile gained from his work with pianist Herbie Hancock, but the fact is Kummert, relatively unknown beyond the borders of his native Belgium, impressively locks horns with Loueke in duo on six of the album's 14 tracks all recorded live in the studio. Loueke says he was “blessed to be able to record this beautiful project” and certainly his playing never ceases to fascinate and beguile, but in truth both in ensemble and duo, Kummert has done his reputation no harm whatsoever – a name for everyone to put on their watch list.