The impressively surnamed Western-King is a Guildhall music graduate, a classical clarinettist, a jazz saxophonist and author of Jazz Phrases for Saxophone, an educator and a regular at Ronnie's with his quartet.

What's more, he plays with Down For The Count, the big swing band which covers the wider function and concert scene. So, he has plenty in the locker already, ahead of this, his debut album.

All seven composition are his and reflect his reaction to a year like no other, the aim to explore the fruitful territory ‘between straight ahead bebop and the chaos and fragility of free jazz’. ‘Inner Eye’ has an ethereal feel, the tenor sound distant, as Leak, who is impressive at every stage, enters in similarly spare, almost fragile fashion. ‘Dark Space’ with bassist Wickham [also from Down For The Count] alongside, is a standout track, tranquil and understated, the tenor convoluted and thoughtful. The title piece, with Copus added, is Monk-ian in shape and direction, intentionally so, its zig-zagging theme setting the trumpeter quite a challenge as he embarks on a Morgan-like sortie, Leak chording, W-K offering an off-the-wall counterpoint, ahead of his own high-register thrusts, drummer Davis busy in the best way.

Western-King cites Rollins as an inspiration, and it shows, especially on ‘The Long Road’ and ‘Disorder Reordered’, this an intended showcase for the quartet's ability to improvise ‘without restriction’ as they do. I'd have liked more from Copus and the chance to hear AW-K handle a standard or familiar original. Striking as a first-off calling card: better things to come, I suspect.