Watch: O'Higgins & Luft share video for ‘Giant Steps GTI’

Saxophonist Dave O’Higgins and guitarist Rob Luft return this autumn with Pluto, their second co-led recording, three years after the release of the critically acclaimed O’Higgins & Luft Play Monk & Trane. Where the first album clearly did what it says on the tin, the new album, as the title suggests, comes from another place. Seven of the nine songs are originals and the remaining two are Monk and Coltrane hits that evolved on the road from the 40-plus date tour in 2019.

The sonority has changed a little too, with the Hammond organ of before replaced with piano and double bass. This is straight-ahead modern jazz in the African American tradition, clearly coming from the Monk and Coltrane lineage, but not bound to emulating it. You will hear Luft easily morphing Wes Montgomery with Bill Frisell, his own trademark soundscapes and worldly influences, while O’Higgins’ emotive melodies evoke Dexter, Coltrane, Joe Henderson and Brecker, with a melodic logic of his own.

Ross Stanley plays piano on Pluto which opened up a place for the exciting sound of Misha Mullov-Abbado on double bass. American drummer, Rod Youngs, so integral to the vibe of the band on the 2019 tour, completes the line-up.

Pluto was recorded live at Brixton’s JVC Studio, in one room with no overdubs. The playing began in earnest around noon, and by 5.15pm the album was finished, and lunch had been taken. The material came together very easily, and most tracks were first takes.  

The album is released on 4 November on Ubuntu Music and is launched at PizzaExpress Jazz Club, Soho, London on 15 November 2022 as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival