On the face of it, this live album captures three British musicians reinterpreting a stack of standards by a pantheon of American jazz greats. But, when the artists in question happen to be some of the more imaginative creative forces on the UK improv scene, it’s not quite as straightforward as that. Here, the familiar descending theme of John Coltrane’s ‘Giant Steps’ is stretched tautly over an off-kilter bass plod and simmering drums; Randy Weston’s ‘Hi-Fly’ is transformed into dark, turbulent free-jazz; and Charlie Parker’s ‘Quasimodo’ is bent around a minimal bass structure and subliminal drum groove. Even the comparatively conventional pieces – the jaunty latin vamp of Joe Henderson’s ‘Recorda Me’ and the loose, gossamer ballad of Sam Rivers’ ‘Beatrice’ – are subverted from within by Pat Thomas’ unhinged intervals and lurching eccentricity. It’s hard to think of another pianist operating right now – at least in the UK – who can wring such manic drama from the keys.