Chris, despite recent health problems, was back to his best. Once the saxophone reached his lips he is transformed into a most powerful and inventive improviser who gives himself little time to warm up.

Steve’s approach was quite different. He slowly built up his solo work, very much in the Bill Evans style, before bursting into some really groovy passages taking the appreciative audience with him all the way.

Ben Markland and Neil Bullock have a long association, which was clearly evident throughout the evening, their interplay on ‘Stomping at the Savoy’ was quite stunning.

Ben produced a huge/full tone from his bass, proving a very creative soloist and an impeccable accompanist. And Neil just gets better and better—definitely steeped in rock influences but now matured into a most subtle jazz percussionist with lashings of humour thrown in.

The evening offered a varied programme which encompassed works from Kern, Van Heusen, Coltrane etc together with some originals from Ben Markland all executed to the highest standards.

This a band to see live, given the chance.