One of many pianists who have produced occasional solo albums, the Israeli-born Herman has mainly recorded in a trio context and, while resident in Paris, has often worked with American musicians. Here he plays a one-hour solo programme of 17 pieces, ranging in length from less than 90 seconds to nearly seven-and-a-half minutes, and variety is also the overall effect.

The press release waxes lyrical about an approach of total improvisation without any plan of action, but Herman clearly has a compositional ability to give each piece a distinctive flavour. Not only that, but he is capable of drawing on existing materials: the shortest piece is actually labelled ‘All The Things You Are’ and consists of just two choruses, one flamboyantly abstract, the second more recognisable. The longest item, labelled ‘Apres Un Reve’ and virtually the only track to recall Jarrett, includes a quote from Gabriel Fauré's piece of the same name, while the closing track ‘Song Without Words’ briefly evokes Maurice Ravel. There may be other allusions, but the net effect is of an inventive and involving recital.