Hamilton continues to find new collaborators as he roams around Europe from his base in Italy. This time he’s in Copenhagen teamed with Karin Krog, one of this continent’s ‘most accomplished and original singers’, in the words of the late Ian Carr. Always an interesting vocalist, she handles the lyrics of something like Jimmy McHugh’s ‘I Must Have That Man’, with a kind of relaxed ease, momentarily evoking late-period Billie Holiday, with just a faint hint of a Scandinavian accent, Hamilton’s accompaniment languorous and mellow, ahead of Lundgren’s crisp interjections. ‘Will You Still Be Mine’ is perkier, Krog sitting out, the rhythm section swinging along behind Hamilton’s extended improvisation, drummer Leth delivering the right kind of accents, as Lundgren takes over, his harmonic adjustments and spare right hand attack showing just why he’s rated so highly. Krog takes ‘The Best Things In Life’ for a merry ride, her dry, quite small vocal sound almost confidential in tone, hinting at Blossom Dearie’s whispered style. She’s more assertive on ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business’, almost raunchy, as Lundgren sparks again ahead of Hamilton’s perfect ballad take on ‘We’ll Be Together Again’, Krog again out. Hamilton is himself throughout, always grounded in the melody, that tone like a balm; Krog’s vocals are pleasing but it’s Lundgren who stands out, unfurling a solo on ‘Sometimes I’m Happy’ that compels attention before Krog duets playfully with Backenroth’s arco bass and then combines with Hamilton on a nifty bit of vocalese. Varied and well worth investigating. Neat packaging, too.