Noted Canadian jazz bassist and composer Roberto has enjoyed a diverse, award-winning career, recording with acts from Canadian Cubaphile Jane Burnett and Cuban pianist Hilario Durán to classical orchestras such as the Winnipeg Symphony and that of the Canadian Opera Company. His influences variously take in Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner and Jaco Pastorius; he’s guested with John Cage, Terry Riley, Tony Allen; Afrobeat is another love. This piano trio project is Occhipinti’s sixth release as a leader; it’s a bold and boldly spare attempt to condense such influences and push creative boundaries in a classic jazz format, using techniques gleaned from within and outside the genre.

He is, therefore, a study in classical string-bowing on the slow and sublime eponymous opener, an entire string section where required (on, say, the angular ‘Peacocks’), the big bottom end on a rousing cover of Pastorius’s ‘Opus Pocus’ and a deft accompanist to the breathy utterances of Ilaria Crociante on ‘O Cessate di Piagarmi’, the only track to feature vocals. Pianist Farrugia and drummer Lewis are repeatedly allowed their moments to shine; closer ‘A Tynerish Swing’ is remarkable for its interplay and shifts in focus, for a vibe as airy and cerebral as its swinging and visceral. Highly recommended.