We took note of Broder’s Volume 1 in Jazzwise 278 and liked it. As the blurb puts it, "the album strikes a sublime balance between honouring the sound and styles of Johnny Hodges’ original recordings while infusing these classic tunes with a modern and vibrant feel". Fair enough, for that’s pretty much what we get to hear, these present-day modernists seemingly at ease with a series of Hodges-aligned pieces, many authored by the great man.

‘Used To Be A Duke’ opens with saxophone flourish and a trumpet fanfare before settling into a fast-moving run-through, Staaf nimble in solo, drums understated, pert riffs alongside. ‘Wabash Blues’ was a highlight of Back to Back, the immortal Ducal small group album that inspired Broder and his friends, Broder’s sibilant alto on this version nearer to Paul Desmond than JH but in the pocket all the way, Mulherkar chirruping boldly over the Latin rhythm. ‘Back Beat’, another Hodges swinger, dates from his encounter with Gerry Mulligan and ticks away nicely, good chorded piano to start with, the evocative ensemble riff a delight, the trumpet relaxed yet exploratory, pinched notes and all, Broder’s light-touch baritone fitting in well ahead of Staaf’s near-Ducal piano, Stephenson steadying the ship.

‘St Louis Blues’ is a tad more solemn but soon finds its groove, Staaf open-minded, Broder taking the theme, with Mulherkar as his co-worker, the alto solo suitably funky, the trumpeter’s long-note entry similarly potent. Broder is at his most-Hodges-like on ‘Stompy Jones;’ Staaf recalling Duke’s memorable piano interjections, Mulherkar muted. Feel-good music maybe, but executed with purpose and respect. More please.