If you want to stay angry, don't listen to this record. Raging storms have been known to dissipate and transform themselves into breezy sunshine after spending three minutes in the company of Herlin Riley He could hardly have found a more fitting title for his latest outing as leader, Perpetual Optimism (the follow-up to 2016's New Direction), such is the easygoing charm that characterises the playing of the New Orleans drummer and longtime member of Wynton Marsalis's Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Which is not to say that it's in any way facile: this kind of sleek, rhythmically driven elegance is hard-won and can only be achieved by means of great discipline and deep musical wisdom. The set is split 50/50 between originals and covers Willie Dixon's ‘Wang Dang Doodle’, sung by Riley, is a lot of fun and a good example of the latter; ‘Be There When I Get There’, which gives interlocking parts to saxophonist Goodwin Louis and trumpeter Bruce Harris, is a delightful example of the former. “I always look forward, no matter what happens in life,” proclaims Riley. “If you're grieving or faced with an emotional challenge, keep in mind: If you're still breathing, there's a chance that you can overcome and thrive. Commit yourself to PERPETUAL OPTIMISM!” With Herlin's help, I'm going to give it a shot.