Sulzmann is a player whom I have struggled to enjoy over the years, his prosaic note choices and dry phrasing never quite triggering the appropriate emotional reaction in me. My loss, obviously. Iles, on the other hand, has always turned up trumps, her inventiveness and harmonic nous invariably pleasing. Now here’s a chance to see what emerges when the two are thrown together. There’s no doubting their compatibility for they work together often and happily, this bare-bones situation seems to have brought out the best in them. With no hiding places and no need to conform to others’ expectations, they take turns with a variety of standards, plus a single original by each of them, a theme like ‘Body and Soul’ producing a version which is pleasingly relaxed yet richly achieved, as Sulzmann recalls the inspiration of Lucky Thompson. In fact, there’s nothing harsh or over-elaborated here, just two fine players exploring these pieces without inhibition, mutually inspired and pleasingly creative, with Iles and Sulzmann in winning form. He is a slippery player, his slightly hooting tone momentarily reminiscent of Bobby Wellins, another distinctive improviser, while Iles can make me think of Ellis Larkins, her touch fresh and open, as she probes and plays. The sleeve photo shows them smiling, and so they should. An unexpected delight.