With six tracks being JJ Johnson covers and a Harold Mabern original called ‘Mr Johnson’, you don't have to listen to the CD to know who Steve Davis' main influence is on trombone. JJ Johnson is one of the jazz greats, and the leader captures his bark, glide and smooth dexterity from the outset. But there's more to Davis than replicating a key influence, and his smoky tone and soulful inflections would have made him a shoe-in for a place in the line-up of the Jazz Messengers. Add in a theme-and-variations repertoire and a rhythm section joyfully wedded to swing, and the analogy is almost complete. The approach is rooted in the past, but is delivered with a fresh-minted swagger. Davis is outstanding taking the lead on Johnson's ballad ‘Lament’, Eric Alexander shines on Coltrane's ‘Village Blues’ and Eddie Henderson doesn't put a foot wrong throughout. The themes are tight – an edgily harmonised ‘When the Saint's Go Marching In’ opens with an ominous pedal – and the pulse is pristine. Straight-ahead and in the pocket.