The son of not one but two trumpeters, woodwind player Tommy Andrews graduated from the Guildhall School of Music in 2010 and has since begun to establish a name for himself playing with the likes of the BBC Big Band and the London Jazz Orchestra. (Pop pickers note: he's also performed with McFly!) This is his debut release as leader of his own quintet, and it demonstrates the 25-year-old's blossoming composition and playing abilities. He explains the disc's title in an intricate liner note, but among other resonant uses ‘crux’ apparently refers to the trickiest part of a rock climb, something Andrews enjoys doing. And certainly, although the title track has a boppish charm and there are hints of downtown groove in the playing, the seven through-composed originals largely breathe a deeper, more expansive natural air, not least the lovely ‘Toscana’ and opener ‘Sirens’, which conjures a hypnotically beguiling seascape. Andrews is surrounded by fine interpreters here – the follow-up promises much.