Treehouse by the ex-Trinity Laban, E17 Jazz Collective pianist Tom Hewson is part of a new series by the long-established Italian recording label CamJazz to promote emerging young artists. He's one of very few Englishmen to record as a bandleader for the illustrious label, another being the pianist's mentor and key influence, the now sadly departed John Taylor. It's a deeply impressive and accessible debut by a trio that Hewson is lining up for a UK tour. Formed in 2010, Treehouse is a piano trio with a difference; the percussion instrument is a tuned one and is played by the superb Empirical vibraphonist Lewis Wright who adds plenty of atmosphere and invigorating solos into the mix alongside Kit Downes associated double bassist Calum Gourlay. Hewson is a resourceful instrumentalist who finds an eloquent way to bridge various jazz idioms within his pastorally lyrical yet rhythmically propulsive soundworld. He is also a composer with wit to spare and retains a close link between thematic development and improvisation at all times. The trio lean towards the more traditional end of chamber MJQ-like cool on Hewson's engagingly skittish ‘Glitch’, and – though less overtly – on their playfully swingin' counterpoint on ‘Beanie's Bounce’. But on this evidence, Hewson clearly sounds like a jazz artist looking forward rather than back.