Jamil Sherriff has exerted a mighty influence for good on the UK scene in his role as jazz programme leader at Leeds Conservatoire: here he continues the good work in the company of a cohort of his fellow lecturers. Lest this sound a bit dryly academic, we should hasten to add that not only are all of them terrific players, but they genuinely cohere as a unit.

All 10 compositions are by Sherriff in a range of contemporary idioms which showcase his band’s empathy, and the frontline of alto sax and flugelhorn is conducive to a poised introspection that matches the carefully arranged tunes.

Drummer Caroline Boaden kicks up the dust on ‘Healing’ in company with Sam Quintanta’s warm, solid bass - ‘Love Someone’ has a sunny insouciant West Coast vibe that belies the complexity of its twisty lines - ‘Going To Church’ has a more urgent, modal flavour - ‘Speed Awareness’ has an angularity reminiscent of late 1960s Jackie McLean which is always a good thing; and the trades between Richard Iles and Jim Corry demonstrate how well matched they are in fluent accuracy and inventiveness.

The leader’s comping is a model of supportive restraint and his solos all display a thoughtful melodic approach underscored by his thorough command of language - dig his John Taylor-ish intro on ‘Spiralling Into Control’. Entirely delightful - the model of a great band playing great tunes with flair and evident enjoyment.