The clue's in the band's title as Allard releases another sophisticated, swinging and most importantly, melody-filled collection of largely his own material. Allard himself plays with a clear edged tone, most urgently as he leans into the brisk ‘Driving Home’, which features dominant drums from Glaser.

Indeed, although Allard is obviously at the heart of Melodic Collective, Glaser plus Turville's piano and Robson's trumpet are given acres of space in which to express themselves. Turville, with a slice of George Shearing underwriting his cheering swing particularly lights up ‘Tridence’. ‘Snake Steak’ may not sound too appetising, but again its easy swinging invitation draws you in; Allard delivers a fine break but it's Robson that catches the ear.

Allard is back in the front line though as he takes it down on the slow, slow blues of ‘Time is No Fool’. Hayhurst's acoustic bass also brings an edge of soul. It's no surprise Melodic Collective has picked up airtime on Jazz FM, but don’t bracket Allard's efforts in a ‘dinner jazz’ frame. There's a variety of material and mood which marks a step up in Allard's writing, while the Robson/Turville axis is eminently listenable.