The versatile first-call vibraphonist Jim Hart has recently been nominated in the vibes category for the 2012 Downbeat poll, a high accolade indeed as well considering it's a list that's always predominantly American. This is his fourth release as leader having previously made a pair of albums under the name of the New York downtown influenced jazz ensemble Gemini and the straightahead Jim Hart Quartet. This more recently formed band, The Cloudmakers Trio, recorded live from Soho's Pizza Express Jazz Club in July 2010, says something about why Hart is being aligned with an emerging set of exciting, forwardlooking contemporary vibraphonists such as New York's Chris Dingman (Steve Lehman octet), Matt Moran (Claudia Quintet) and Chicagoan Jason Adasiewicz. Hart's two compositions out of the five in the set are primarily rhythm-based in terms of structure, a series of loops that groove infectiously, in spite of their irregular accents and meters. Aside from Hart's snaking themes, the set includes the more abstract, freely improvised ‘Improv’, Thelonious Monk's ‘Bye-Ya’ and ex-Steve Coleman/Ravi Coltrane New York-based trumpeter Ralph Alessi's latin-oriented ‘Morbid Curiosity’. He was a guest of the trio that night. The American London-resident double bassist Michael Janisch and drummer Dave Smith combine with Hart in an assuredly airtight yet elasticised trio; contemporary avant grooves are seamlessly joined with a more swingin’ progressive free-bop. Alessi invigorates the music with his witty, unexpected turns of phrase and visceral, blustery trumpet sound. Even without the kind of gripping contribution he makes here, Hart's new rhythm trio is certainly going to be one for the future.