In our digital age the rebirth of vinyl has given artists of all persuasions a new context to explore – its limitations and ‘deep listening’ aesthetic an opportunity to try something new. This also pertains to labels, with vinyl-only specialists Newvelle a perfect case in point, offering high-profile musicians the opportunity to do something unique, or certainly different from their usual MO. Hence revered bassist Rufus Reid's debut for the label is a sublime mini-suite for piano/bass/drums trio and string quartet that's bursting with melodic and improvisational finesse. It's also a showcase for Reid's skills as a composer/arranger for extended ensembles, and indeed strings, which he first began studying in 1999 at New York's BMI Jazz Composer's Workshop. From the sound of Terrestrial Dance these have matured into a thing of subtle and compelling beauty as piano trio and string quartet entwine in exceptionally musical ways. Exploring mostly original material it's the deft balance between the yearning harmonic shading from the Sirius Quartet that's set-up from the off, with opener ‘This I Ask of You’ swaying with waltz-time elegance, the strings leading, with Allee's rich piano work and Reid's oak-like tone bursting through from the deep. The trio's sound is rooted and there's empathy aplenty, sidestepping showboating in favour of the kind of restrained virtuosity that's been a hallmark, of and reason for, Reid's status as a first-call sideman since the 1970s. While there's plenty of bustling swing, the reflective pieces stand out as well, Side A's closing ‘Tranescape’ a beautiful piano/bass duet, while Victor Feldman's ‘Falling in Love’ is a ballad highlight. The closing ‘Cedar's Blues', by the titular late great pianist Walton, a former and frequent Reid collaborator, is a hearty sign off for this gracefully engaging, highly impressive album.