Predicated as a new ‘dream’ band and fronted by Herring, this group of top players is setting out to attract newer listeners to the ‘groove-centric’ music of such late masters as Horace Silver, Eddie Harris and Donald Byrd, etc. Herring states that as all concerned grew up in an era when soul and R&B were the common currency, they are steeped in its protocols and know what to do. So far, so good.

It’s Silver’s ‘Filthy McNasty’ first, taken at speed, the groove more agitated than relaxed, Herring astringent, Pelt straining, the drums clumpy. ‘Too Blue’ is reflective, Kikoski’s piano just right, Bollenback superb, his playing understated, the theme cast in call and response style, Escoffrey uncluttered, the whole effect promising. Harris’s ‘Mean Greens’ has Herring in soulful mood, the riff theme quite jerky but it moves well. As does ‘The Chicken’, a Pee Wee Ellis number, funky over boogaloo drums.

‘Cool Driftin’ is better, Herring impassioned, Pelt poised and playful, bass and drums finding their way well. Byrd’s ‘Slow Drag’ is the album highlight, laid back, its stop-start structure impressive, the voicing distinctive. Roy Hargrove’s ‘Strasbourg/St Denis’ settles into a pleasing groove, Pelt sounding more and more assured, before ‘Naima’, an unusual choice perhaps, allows Bollenback to build a strong solo, with Pelt muted, any latent funkiness set aside.

The format and style of this band’s chosen genre is repetitive, of course, and these advanced players may need some more challenging material on which to strut their stuff in future. There’s a fourth star lurking in there somewhere but it’s as yet unrealised. More time together should do it.