This album, from late 2023, is a gem. Hershkovits, a sideman for Oded Tzur and Avishai Cohen and noted for his calm, clear contributions, steps into the spotlight with his first solo date on ECM, adding another chapter to their vaunted solo piano catalogue.

But it's the recently discovered Esbjörn Svensson album HOME.S, which springs to mind when hearing this record. Mostly improvised yet forming something like through-written compositions in real time, Hershkovits puts together a series of 18 tracks, mostly étude-like in character, and form. (Only 'Majestic Steps Glow Far' troubles the four-minute mark). Hershkovits' touch is light, his thoughts florid, and no idea ever outstays its welcome, though some might be developed a little more in the moment.

Some tracks carry classical-esque titles: ‘A Rooftop Minuet’, a series of four Intermezzos; the Ravel-like 'Mode Brilliante'; meanwhile, Duke Ellington's 'Single Petal Of A Rose' and Molly Drake's 'Dream Your Dreams' show his tastes away from in-in-the-moment inventions. I'm extremely excited to hear where Hershkovits' characterful voice goes next.