Imagine the classic Basie rhythm section re-constituted but without guitar and that’s what you hear on the opening, riff-based ‘Right On Time’, one of nine pieces on this Copenhagen recording by Norwegian drummer-leader Kirk. US tenorist Stephen Riley is the album’s star turn, his husky sound and style like a compendium of Paul Gonsalves and Ben Webster, with more than a hint of Johnny Hodges thrown in. Indeed, Kirk’s perky pieces often recall those casual blues originals that Hodges would create for his own sessions, invariably crafted as launch-pads for swing. Riley is at his most louche on the Ellington-ish ‘Dive’ and erupts into ‘Call To Prayer’ with its ‘Caravan’ evocation sounding momentarily like a market-place snake-charmer.

The widely experienced Swedish pianist Hjorth has the spacious feel and lucidity of Basie or the incisiveness of Duke [as on ‘Highway Scene’] as each number requires, and sets things up brilliantly even if, at 34 minutes total playing time, nothing on the session ever outstays its welcome. This is smile on your face music, infectious and joyous, the fast-moving bass and drums team keeping the beat uppermost, Riley and perhaps Harbeck [the notes don’t differentiate] soloing with real panache. I liked it a lot and could have done with more.