There's been ten years between The Strut and its predecessor, Put The Cat Out. The format – horns plus organ trio – may be the same but this new album is a distinct advance. The playing is as strong as before but there's now a lightness of touch there as well, a greater sense perhaps of the value of dynamic contrast. Nothing's wasted, no matter which of these five musicians catches the attention – Nick Smalley's drums, for example, create subtle, unexpected patterns behind the soloists, while guitarist Mike Outram's comping provides both texture and energy. The writing, however, is the major advance here. His film school studies have served Lockrane well, giving the music a greater economy that increases its emotional impact. It's easy on the ear without ever seeming twee or lightweight. Indeed, if anything, the writing now allows the solos more space, allowing them to assume their place in the music as a whole rather than as an adjunct to it. Whether it's Nia Lynn's occasional vocal contributions, Alex Garnett's muscular saxophone, Ross Stanley's organ playing or the leader's strong, lyrical flute, The Strut proves from beginning to end that you can make music that is good for both the body and the mind.