Leo Records was founded at the end of the 1970s with a specific intent to disseminate Russian jazz. Over the years, it’s widened the remit, also releasing a slew of US and European out-jazz – but it’s recently had new life breathed back into that original mission. Kruglov and Lapin are two of the leading young artists in a new Russian resurgence, while Yudanov played with Jazz Group Arkhangelsk, which began operations in the early 1980s. Here they’re joined by Estonian guitarist Sooäär for a live set that positively seethes with energy. Yudanov’s a powerful presence, whether dealing in bullish ride-heavy swing or dropping into heavy, glowering grooves – and also stirs up some turbulent duos with Lapin’s offthe-hook meanderings. Kruglov’s dangerously intense, diving right into high, blustering alto squawks and using unconventional mouthpieces and preparations to summon buzzing vocalisations and shrill trills. Throughout, Sooäär reveals the leavening humour that made his recent duo album with Han Bennink such a good match – whether unspooling gangly solos, throwing in cheeky chordal references to Coltrane’s ‘Giant Steps’ or brewing clouds of whooshing electronic effects. Yeah, it’s way out East.