My word, this is good. Renowned Cuban pianist/composer Virelles is joined by a first-class rhythm section for this, his eighth album as leader, and debut for Intakt. He wrote eight of the nine numbers on this superb (and refreshingly accessible) collection, which combines cerebral improvisation with dreamily poetic expression.

Though he never strays too far from his Afro-Cuban roots, he knows how to reshape Latin forms with elliptical, even avant-garde, flourishes; he knows how to mix things up while maintaining focus, taking the listener on a journey in which every destination and turn is delightfully unexpected. Thus opener ‘Uncommon Sense’ begins ominously (in the best way) before settling into an irresistable groove, while ‘NYChepinsón’ contains an earworm central theme backed by a compelling bass/drum groove before ending with a fluid piano improvisation – but not before making a slow mambo diversion. ‘Tiempos’ melds Latin gaiety with avant-jazz while the sole non- original, ‘Confidencial’ (penned by the great timbalero Enrique Bonne) goes from a lush piano melody to a taut but sultry Cuban danzón.

Carta is a truly great piano trio album for the 21st century. You need to hear it.