Berklee-trained, the New York guitarist Hand has ranged around the wider upstate New York scene, compiling a decent discography, his supple, single-note style recalling Martino and Grant Green. He’s heard here with three varied line-ups, hence the alternating pianists plus veteran tenorist Person guesting on a pair of quartet tracks.

Hand, who has extensive credits as both a composer and arranger, contributes seven pieces, alongside ‘One for My Baby’ by Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer, Freddie Hubbard’s ‘Little Sunflower’ and ‘Lately’ by Stevie Wonder. His ‘Hand-Me-Down Blues’ is a mover, with a compact swing feeling, Hand eloquent, Allen feeling his way agreeably, Braden straight-lined and positive, Weidman brief but concise, Harvie S playing and double-stopping ably. Nice tune, too. The same goes for ‘Cash or Charge’, Harvie walking first as Braden recalls Rollins on ‘Alfie’ and moves pleasingly on. He’s on soprano for the ballad, ‘Bittersweet Morning’, poised and perfect, Hand reaching out lyrically. Lovely piece. ‘Pedro’s Samba’ is zippier, Braden’s flute aligned with Allen on flugel to cheery effect.

Person is laid back and terse on ‘One For My Baby’ outlining the melody before Hand takes over, Johns and Janeaway in support, Person’s gutsy solo belying his 89 years. As ever, ‘Sunflower’ is a highlight, the ensemble playing spot-on, Hand heard at length and Braden calm yet fervent on tenor, Johns and Hand taking things out. Same band for ‘Rosalyn’ named for Mrs Hand, Allen muted in solo, his best of the session, Hand handing the baton to the excellent Weidman who swings as he plays.

No duds here, the album another release to savour from this classy Massachusetts-based label.

Just to hear Person play ‘Lately’ is to experience a master-class in tenor artistry. Good tunes, cleverly put together and rewardingly deployed, Braden and Hand the joint-winners for creativity.