Vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu’s second release presents a gripping set of originals loaded with the sensitive interplay of an on-song working band. Lu’s mentor Jeremy Pelt is on trumpet – Lu joined Pelt’s band in 2018 – and experienced Pelt regulars Richie Goods and Allan Mednard form a tight-knit rhythm section on bass and drums.

The set is themed on the three inspirations that Lu feels have been central to her creative life, migration, cultural roots and fate – born in Taiwan, she moved to the US in 2015 and met Pelt two years later. Lu’s compositions expand the project into a series of exquisitely formed vignettes characterised by clear lines and emotional focus. Sparse, accurate bass leaves room for the drummer’s tight rhythmic urgency, and Pelt’s urbane creativity shines throughout.

Lu leads from the front with a controlled virtuosity rooted in the soul and drama of modern jazz, and nudges the direction of the music from within. 'Boulanger’s Variation' is the samba-inflected first track, the shimmers of 'Chun Yi' develop an African lilt and 'Just Listen' swings over counterpoint bass. Ballads are beautiful, narratives grip and are developed in full and 'Full Moonlight', the eighth and final track, finds her warm-toned and gently in command of acres of space.