In the latest of these valuable compilations, the focus is on the contrasting UK and US modern jazz scenes as revealed by recordings made in a single year, 1957 (bar a pair from December 1956). As with earlier issues in Neil Duckett’s series, the first 16-track CD is UK-only while its companion’s 16 tracks are entirely US-derived, with many of these latter selections of considerable significance, not least the John Coltrane Sextet’s ‘Blue Train’ which closes the second CD.

Given that many of the US performances come from vaunted labels such as Blue Note, Contemporary and Atlantic, it’s no accident that they have remained in the forefront of consideration whereas the British tracks may well have been less acclaimed.

Until now, that is. It’s especially pertinent to be reminded of such underrated local talents as altoist Derek Humble (with Ronnie Scott), the flawless trumpeter Eddie Blair (with Keating) and to again appreciate the pleasing fluency of Don Rendell’s tenor playing, while also noting that Tubby Hayes’ baritone work pales when compared with that of Ronnie Ross, while not downplaying his gut-busting energy with Scott in the Jazz Courier’s version of ‘Cheek to Cheek,’ rightly a classic of British modernism.

Then again, there’s the startling voice of Joe Harriott in full cry, tenor-man Bob Efford calmer alongside him (with Tony Kinsey) and the quirky clarinet of Sandy Brown (with Dick Heckstall-Smith). And that’s just a bran-tub dip into the cleverly-selected pleasures on offer here. Gratifying again to note the overall grasp of post-bop styles here even as the great Americans were laying down the template for hard bop and beyond.

From early Wes onwards, via Carl Perkins, Miles, Jimmy Smith, and the now-overlooked Lorez Alexandria, and on to Mingus and Coltrane, there’s so much here to applaud. Recommended.