This is the first album from polymath, multi-saxophonist Sam Coombes since the more frenetic Pace of Change (2016). It’s a set of contemplative, but complex, mainly original melodies featuring the trio he has fronted during the intervening years, with the welcome addition of piano. Particularly well produced (also by Coombes), it forefronts the faultless pitch and tone of his alto on ballads such as ‘Light of Day’. The a capella introduction on Johnny Mandel’s ‘A Time for Love’, and the careful embellishment of that ballad (taken very slowly), are particularly fine. There’s elegantly-insistent soprano work, too, on ‘Maylis’ and ‘Forbearance’, and great ensemble interaction and skill throughout, with superb drum patterning by Charlet and understated, but keen, melodic improvisation by versatile pianist Morelli, especially on ‘Reason Enough’. That tune, rendered on tenor, ends on an enigmatic passing note, leading in to the lovely title ballad.

There’s a kind of within-genre perfection about the whole album which is heartening, rather than ground-breaking, but there is much of beauty here, and it rewards continued listening. Maybe more variety in instrumentation and dynamics, or a primary statement of a melody on bass or piano, might have showcased more of the talents of the musicians alongside Coombes, but this is compensated by his own undoubted brilliance.