This is the first new recording from the enterprising Gearbox Records. Previous issues include Joe Harriott, Tubby Hayes and Michael Garrick and who better to continue that tradition than Hayes authority, tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett.

Backed by John Critchinson, Alec Dankworth and Clark Tracey he performs a well-balanced programme with revivals of compositions by Dizzy Reece and Jimmy Deuchar, a lovely ballad, Yesterday I Heard the Rain, his own Square One and a fast version of In the Still of the Night. The quartet is very nicely balanced and, as you’d expect, there’s a warm, natural sound which is very welcome. gearboxrecords.com