McPherson’s raucous, Parker-inflected modernism has graced over a score of own-name albums. His full-toned fluency on alto sax, honed by over a decade of Charles Mingus projects, delivers strong sentiments, controlled passion and a personal sound.

Now in his 80s, he remains true to his bebop roots on this spirited live recording from New York’s bastion of mainstream modern jazz, the Smoke jazz club. Solos follow the form, two standards are in the mix and the up-front vibe is inflected with the blues. Trumpeter Terell Stafford’s centred tone and firm phrasing stand out, and the supporting trio, from McPherson’s 2020 album Jazz Dance Suites is sensitive, brims with confidence and swings.

The set opens with 'The Surge', a neatly arranged hard-bop blues, with solos for all, and the excellent bassist David Wong standing firm to Billy Drummond’s explosive drumming. The self-explanatory 'Blues for Lonnie in Three' marks McPherson’s long friendship with trumpeter and fellow Mingus alumni Lonnie Hillyer and the playful 'Dynamic Duo' flags up the saxophonist’s love of comics as a child – here, pianist Jeb Patton’s twisty, form-hugging lines impress. 'Come Rain or Come Shine' is a McPherson feature that comes at a lope; and 'Old Folks', the album’s ballad, finds the saxophonist’s lip less secure.

The project was conceived shortly after pianist and mentor Barry Harris died in late 2021, referenced here by set closer 'Ode to Barry', a Latin sprint. Outward-looking and played with zest, it confirms that for the leader, reverence is more concerned with respect in the present than nostalgia for the past.