Nine years after his ECM debut Driftwood, Muthspiel may consider himself one of the ‘elders’ in the title of his new release. But there’s nothing aged or ossified in this recording – even if it does mine music’s deep time.

Deeply imbued in classical music (jazz came later), it’s no surprise to hear Muthspiel embracing a Bach chorale, although typically he starts from an improvisational space pitched against Colley’s arco bass. The Bach theme magically appears only briefly at the climax, resolving the steel acoustic’s meditation. Keith Jarrett, another classically influenced artist seems to underwrite ‘Folk Song’, with its joyous, naïve melody counterpointed by a propulsive one chord groove. Simple nails it every time, especially in the hands of this master. And when you thought the gentle giant could fly no higher, in flows Joni’s ‘Amelia’.

Here and throughout Blade’s spacious yet precise drums give Muthspiel all the room he needs yet never cease to surprise with colours and shapes that reflect the decade or so that he and Muthspiel have collaborated.

A gift of an album, which words are too clumsy to describe. Just buy it.