Paul Grabowsky is one of the major figures in the Australian jazz scene, but it would be fair to say he would be a major figure in any country's jazz culture should he ever decide to leave his beloved Melbourne. An intellectual heavyweight and a gentleman to boot, his range of musical accomplishments extend from film music (most recently on British TV Last Orders with Michael Cain, Bob Hoskins, David Hemmings, Tom Courtenay and Helen Mirren, the poster for which adorns his studio wall), opera, symphonies, TV music, music for the Sydney Olympics and oh, jazz, from which he has never strayed far. Founder of the critically acclaimed Australian Art Orchestra, he has worked with various sized ensembles, often with the talented Scott Tinkler on trumpet, but most frequently with his award winning trio. The Bitter Suite, says Grabowsky, is music of the night, specifically the Australian night. Thus dark tone colours of trombone and tenor predominate, with the alto darting in and out of the ensembles like a flashing light. Grabowsky's compositions are gritty yet endearing, exemplified by the reggae inspired ‘Paradise’ – it is jazz that is neither highbrow nor lowbrow but with a typical Oz swagger. There are nine originals on this album, and each is well conceived, arranged and executed. While many musicians in jazz attempt solo endeavours, it is usually in advance of musical maturity that might lend the perspective of depth to their work. If anyone is contemplating such an endeavour, check Solo out first. Then measure what you have to say against the accumulated wisdom of a lifetime's experience in music Grabowsky brings to his project. Throughout his touch is assured, there is no hunting for ideas, rather a realisation of clearly thought out musical ideas, which are developed and taken to their conclusion. No grandstanding here, no musical gestures that on close inspection lack substance – rather solid music making of the highest level, and you can't ask for much more than that.