Jeremy Pelt’s first post-lockdown recording finds the trumpeter back on track with his regular working band. The opener, 'Picking Up the Pieces' establishes the American’s core aesthetic by fading in with modal walking bass swing and fading out over edgy modern-day funk. The rest of the album unfolds like a well-programmed classy club date. Meaty themes set strong moods, soloists have structures to bite into and the quality of the musicianship is high.

Pelt’s brassy tone, thoughtful lines and command and control stand out from the start, but don’t overawe his young support. Vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu, soulful on 'Be the Light', delivers pathos on 'Elegy' and takes 'I’m Still Standing' to a high. Pianist Victor Gould’s vamps, lines and voicings make him a name to watch, bassist Vincente Archer is a master of old grooves and new and drummer Allan Mednard locks in.

But it is Pelt’s trumpet playing and vision that define the album’s class. He is joined by flute on the two part 'Lighter Side/Darker Side', plays beautiful Harmon mute on the ballad 'I Love Music' and is angular and loquacious on 'Shifting Images'. The downbeat 'You and Me' closes the set, firmly secured by hip-hop beats.