And the young lions keep coming, Crowley's quartet dates back to student days when all four attended the Royal Academy of Music, although his playing partnership with Downes goes back to when each was sweet 16. So, young as they may be, they have already put the hard yards in. This leads to an easeful rapport that is in refreshing contrast to many of their contemporaries who strive against as much as with each other. There's also a splendid lack of ambition about this release, in the best sense. With no over-blowing, or over complex song structures, Crowley instead shows a healthy respect for the classic ballad, notably on the breathy, aptly named ‘Embracing Air’. He can also sing and swing lyrically, as on the opening ‘Paper Universe’, with echoes of Donny McCaslin. The tough but never bullying theme builds to a finely timed climax (Maddren excelling) without over-revving. The time tripping ‘Marty McFly’ has a quirky Monk-like feel with Gourlay rock steady as ever, while it's a real pleasure to hear Downes playing straightahead, well, near as dammit as he ever does. Rarely does a player so young debut with such a fully rounded tone and range of writing skills, so keep a keen ear out for Crowley: the future could yet be his. Paper Universe is dedicated to Richard Turner, Crowley's sadly so recently gone trumpet contemporary.