Sir George was drummer Carl Gorham’s great-uncle, and vocalist Sipek is Gorham’s daughter, so this celebration is something of a family affair. And it’s Sipek who sings the words to Shearing’s immortal ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ with considerable zest, McDermid, White and Long soloing.

Gorham, also known as a TV writer, has provided lyrics for two more of Sir George’s songs, ‘Easy’ and ‘Midnight Mood’ and plays throughout with swing and drive. With a brass-heavy arrangement by McDermid (he of Jools Holland's R&B Orchestra) there’s an immediate impact as Shearing’s ‘Conception’ is given a rousing treatment, vibes voiced with the horns, Pearson, White and Dankworth prominent. The relaxed ‘Let’s Live Again’ is sung by Moule, who is easily as accomplished as Nancy Wilson (who sang it first), Wallace, Long and the agile White also breaking through.

The only non-Shearing composition of the album’s 11 pieces is Rand and Grant’s ‘Let There Be Love’, fervently sung by Marshall, recalling the classic 1961 hit version which teamed Shearing with Nat King Cole, Pearson and White again excellent. Other tracks that score include ‘The Fourth Deuce’, elegantly arranged; Marshall delivering Gorham’s new words in masterly fashion on ‘Easy’, with more from White. Pearson deploys Sir George’s trademark locked-hands piano style to valid effect on ‘Night Flight’, White, Long and Kerr busy in solo. The final ‘Rondo’ in Latin mode is all brazen chutzpah, with tearaway high-note jousting by McDermid, White and Long on alto. Short measure at 38 minutes, I’d have loved to hear more. A Volume Two, anyone?