I heard this band at Swanage (admittedly with trumpeter Martin Shaw added) and thought them a wow. Now comes the acid test of a live album to consider and the good news is that one’s original impression is largely confirmed. The veteran Themen’s open-mindedness comes across as ever, first on the stirring ‘Chilli Peppers’, his tenor often this side of wonky but always with melodic malice in mind, Double’s percussive expertise and Whittaker’s brilliance keeping him on the straight and (fairly) narrow.

It’s Art’s serpentine soprano on Zoot Sims’ ‘Brahms… I Think’, Whitaker resplendent. ‘Country’ is taken slow, Themen on tenor letting the melody breathe and have its way, the total performance a joy. ‘Groovy Samba’ follows, danceably direct, soprano leading, sinuous and slippery, Double keeping an eye on the beat. ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face’ is another beauty, Themen again proving his worth as a tenor balladeer, understated, Whitaker compelling on piano.

How about Abdullah Ibrahim’s ‘African Marketplace’ as a contrast? Double again sounding out its shape, Whitaker comping, Themen jubilant and yes, fervent. Hancock’s ‘And What If I Don’t?’ is a bluesy piece, and gets a righteous treatment ahead of ‘Sophisticated Lady’, this given a largely a cappella tenor workout, and the stompy closer, Silver’s ‘Cape Verdean Blues’.

So, an eclectic mix and a set of pleasingly varied performances: no wonder Themen calls his trio mates, ‘the best of musical compadres’. He should know, having enjoyed their company over some 70-plus gigs. Look out for them.