Aside from being the unflappably fluid pianist behind rising young vocal star Zara McFarlane, the 31-year-old Trinity Laban alumni Peter Edwards is a musician with diverse interests. His work also looks towards cross-media collaborations with artists and poets, as well as directing and arranging for both the Nu Civilization Orchestra (recently in a Joe Harriot tribute) and Tomorrow's Warriors Youth Orchestra – it was out of the apprenticeship organisation's development programme that Edwards emerged as its most recent star. Formed in 2010 and with an EP Jazzlotion already under their belt, Edwards’ trio features Partikel bassist Max Luthert and Moses Boyd, a fledgling drummer who really impresses here, driving the band with a hurtling momentum and energised feel for groove as has been noted previously in his work as sideman with Jay Phelps and Denys Baptiste. Safe and Sound is Edward's debut proper and it is encouraging to hear a young jazz musician who's actually ready to document something on record. Although the pianist's primary models include Herbie Hancock and Bud Powell, there's a neosoulful Robert Glasper-ish vibe on the title track, and a nu-grooveorientated approach that at times hints at an organic absorption of more contemporary influences. Overall it signals a bright start to Edwards’ recording career as a leader.