We reviewed the Irish pianist-composer John Donegan’s earlier release Shadows Linger in Jazzwise 286 and gave it a well-earned four stars and hoped to hear more. Donegan has obliged with this very welcome follow-up featuring the same all-star personnel.

‘What’s This?’ has an attractive descending figure and allows Michael B. to exult, his alto spiky and ebullient, as Hamilton follows, his attack and fluency underlining his status as one of the best hard bop brassmen around. Donegan himself then takes over in boppish fashion, as Richie B exerts himself, building strongly before the final ensemble figures, cast in Messengers mode.

‘Close Nearby’ is calmer, almost hymn-like with a soprano lead, the voicing and momentum just right, Michael B.’s soulful, almost chirpy soprano quite perfect, his brother’s tenor response similarly thoughtful. ‘Reflect on This’ is more enigmatic, with its zig-zag shape and tightened, quasi-orchestral sound, tenor uppermost before Hamilton’s trumpet moves engagingly along its path. ‘Seb’s Story’ is nicely made, its outline shapely before Michael’s alto solo reveals his inner Cannonball and Richie bustles in. ‘Showtime’ is certainly a show-stopper, its cleverly intricate theme getting the soloists darting hither and yon. The title track is quietly lyrical, Michael’s flute virtuosity uppermost, his front-line partners sitting it out, Donegan pleasingly sparse before Michael resumes. And just to emphasise that Messengers inclination, there’s the winning, Golson-like shuffle-beat ‘Blues for KJ’ to finish.

Donegan knows to create themes that have real melodic value, each soloist, himself included, given pathways to follow which allow freedom to wander even if the way ahead is always clear. Ten pieces, all by him, and brilliantly performed: not to be missed.