Trumpeter Collins assembled a spectacular line-up for this very impressive album, balancing an all-American rhythm section with a strong UK frontline. Many of the pieces are his; others are by saxophonist Tom Harrison, a frequent associate who was unable to make the session, Gillard being his replacement. The mood is post-bop, with an augmented Messengers feel, the writing compact and the execution consistently rewarding. The title-track would fit the Silver-Blakey template exactly and has their kind of momentum, trumpet at the front, crisp and clear, before the impressive Richardson pushes in and Nimmer opens up, bassist Sanders swinging hard. Harrison's ‘Float, Flitter, Flutter’ allows Collins to show his Hubbard-like inclinations and Gillard to solo affectingly, the hauntingly, hymn-like ‘Look Ahead’ written by Collins for his son quite sublime. Producer Toussaint adds his sinuous tenor to two tracks. Each piece has its own pleasures: above all, there's a sense of a fine project properly realised and accomplished.

Jazzwise spoke to Quentin Collins:

Road Warrior is distinguished by the presence of US stars like Dan Nimmer and Willie Jones III. How did this come about and what did they bring to the project?

I met Dan Nimmer on the road when he played a couple of shows with his trio up in Scotland opening for Kyle Eastwood. We kept in touch and I was delighted when he agreed to join me for this recording. He recommended Willie Jones III, whose work I knew well. They brought total focus to making the music sound right from the moment they stepped off the plane. Watching and listening to these masters bring a seriously high level of professionalism to the proceedings was a real joy!

This is obviously a deeply personal project for you. What is it about the road that you sought to evoke with this music?

This project is at least partly autobiographical. Anyone engaging with their work and career as an artistic extension of their personal life is essentially a Road Warrior, so this music salutes them all. Each tune can relate to anyone trying to hold together their personal life while focusing on their career, be it on the road touring or at the office running a company, or bringing up kids while holding down a job.

What part did Tom Harrison play in the realisation of Road Warrior?

Tom wrote four compositions, as did I, though he had to pull out of the recording due to personal injury. His involvement started at the beginning and continues throughout. He'll be back in the touring line-up just as soon as he's fit and able. He remains one of my closest friends and someone I admire hugely.

Playing-wise, you cover a variety of situations. What are your current priorities?

My current priority is always whatever I'm doing at any given moment! Apart from the Road Warrior dates, I'm still touring most of the year as a sideman for Kyle Eastwood. We release a new album in November. Then there's a direct-to-disc album recording with an All-Star quintet under my name, but featuring Gary Husband and Jason Rebello, due out in early 2020, plus there's being musical director for Palestinian singer Omar Kamal, a position I've held for almost three years now and which has taken me on some pretty crazy adventures and continues to do so!