Drummers have always played a vital role in the development of jazz, from the days of Baby Dodds with Louis Armstrong in the Hot Five, to Elvin Jones with John Coltrane. Often they become bandleaders and showmen, noted for crowd- pleasing solos. But the drummers musicians most appreciate in their ranks are those percussionists content to swing the band while making a creative contribution to the music.

Such was the case of the late Trevor Tomkins, whose raison d’être is fully displayed on this two-CD set of radio recordings by Sextant, the group he assembled in 1980.

Trevor had studied at the Guildhall School of Music and played trombone before taking up drums, and this grounding in music theory informed his playing when he began making waves on the British jazz scene with the Don Rendell-Ian Carr Quintet. Tomkins went on to play in Henry Lowther's Quaternity and backed American visitors to Ronnie Scott's Club, notably Sonny Stitt and Lee Konitz. Sextant meanwhile, played at London pub gigs and broadcast on BBC radio's Jazz Notes. On CD1 we hear four tracks recorded in May 1980: ‘Chapter One’ has a floating feel set up by Trevor and Paul that enables the soloists to relax, and deliver Phil Lee's melodic theme in an unhurried manner that is quite hypnotic.

Pyne's opening remarks are among a stream of effective solos including one from the warm-toned bass of Paul Bridge. Chris’ trombone shines on the introspective ‘GRS’ by Stan Sulzmann, although it's often the ensemble sound of Sextant that makes the most impact.

When Horler's piano engages in spirited conversation with the lead guitar during this cleverly devised piece we realise the depth of Sextant's concept that stems from the man behind the drums. Jimmy switches to soprano sax for a beautiful rendition of Ralph Towner's ‘Celeste’ with barely a whisper from Trevor's brushwork although his snare drum is prominent on the lively Cedar Walton tune ‘Ugetsu’ and he takes a brace of heated breaks before the final exposition of the tricky theme.

In May 1981 the same lineup is heard on ‘Smatter’ when Trevor is unleashed on a full length solo. Phil Lee contribute three tunes notably ‘Early Spring’ focussing on Hastings’ flute while ‘Your Eyes Are Love’ is a showcase for Chris Pyne's tender trombone. ‘The Right Moment’ is sparked by lively Latin rhythms amidst the heated hard bop drive.

CD2 has seven broadcasts starting in May 1982, when Brian Smith took over from Jimmy Hastings on four of the tracks. Highlights are Henry Lowther's mystical theme ‘Zemlja’ and a moving guitar and piano duet on ‘Summer Night Out’. The ensemble that launches the speedy ‘Evensong’ is a delight and on ‘For Future Reference’ Trevor is unleashed with a full-on solo. Listen and learn. And read Simon Spillett's account of Tomkins contribution to British jazz in his detailed liner notes. Recalls John Horler: “I was in a band with outstanding musicians (and great friends) led by a drummer who often had to be persuaded to take a solo! Sextant was a highlight of my musical life.”