Much of Fishwick's work on Hard Bop has been with the retro quintet he co-leads with tenorist Osian Roberts, which pays homage to their 1950s heroes and their music. Now here's a rare chance to hear what he sounds like in a much more contemporary situation. Though, in fairness, even this is five years old. If released then, it would have had more impact, because similar sorts of sounds are still coming out of New York now. The tunes, the ensemble, the intelligent sensitive use of piano and keyboards and the whole approach with excellent modern bass and drum figures are all a credit to the musicians. Steve's compositions ‘Outskirts’, with its three sections, the exciting 7/4 12-bar ‘Rackpu's Blues’, the Tom Harrell tribute, the still now-sounding ‘Deception’ (written when he was at college) and his ballad for his mother (nice Stanley here) are all well above average. ‘Vissa D'Arte’ from Pucini's ‘Tosca’ shows Steve at his very best, using the full range of the trumpet and blowing with much emotion. Alex Garnett makes robust contributions to the tracks he's on and again one must stress the input of every member of the rhythm section. Oh, and there's an extended up-tempo version of the only standard, ‘All or Nothing At All’ (strong Cawley) and a version of Ornette's ‘Una Muy Bonita’. Steve is a world-class player (as are his sidemen). Modern UK jazz at its very best and very nearly five stars. Thoroughly enjoyable.