Pianist-composer Tim Richards is one of the cornerstones of contemporary British jazz. Over more than three decades, the ever-changing personnel of his bands has included some of our finest musicians, often at the very start of their careers. His own work, as player and bandleader, has been amazingly consistent – attractively melodic, harmonically rich and refreshingly unpompous. Hextet maintains the standard. Trumpeter Dick Pearce and saxophonist Ed Jones remain from the band’s predecessor, Great Spirit, alongside two brand new names, vibraphonist Ralph Wyld and drummer Peter Ibbetson. Bassist Dominic Howles completes a typically well-matched line-up. The 10 numbers, varied in pace and mood, are a joy from beginning to end.