Drummer Home hosted the rest of the group at his house for a lockdown play. They liked how they got on and started to write for the band as it emerged. Now they’re on their way as Five-Way Split, with early gigs and more later this year. And this fine new Ubuntu release.

Barron's lively original is called ‘Lingua Franca’, and quickly establishes the group's linguistic identity – yes, it's definitely a case of hard bop spoken here. Barron himself is quick-thinking and crisp, Collins and Vasilis energised and fluent, as they continue to be throughout, the band swinging hard, courtesy of Home and Hofecker. Earlier, Xenopoulos’ intricate ‘Out of Wayne's Bag’ had proved especially fruitful, it's clever stop-start motif intriguing and guileful, with its writer's strong tenor constructions the standout. I have little doubt that Art Blakey would have relished this one. Collins’ ‘Mr Birthday Waltz’ is a more mellow creation, his flugelhorn uppermost in the mix, serene in its effect while his ‘Asymphonatic’ is similarly impressive for its voicing and structure, and Barron's nimble interjections. Fred Lacey's ‘Theme for Ernie’ is more solemn, Collins on flugelhorn, Vasilis equally restrained.

With seven originals from nine, the usual question might be how well will they endure? On this showing, Barron, Collins and Xenopoulos have collectively found a written narrative that suits the band, and achieved a poised sound that is very pleasing indeed. No duds, no longueurs, just brilliant ideas and distinctive outcomes. Great to hear these accomplished musicians in this kind of creative shape. Track them down: it will be worth it.