Our man Mullen apparently knows Copenhagen well, having played there regularly, often at the instigation of Danish drummer Leth. This time Leth teamed him with organist Peterson, a former long-time sideman with the late tenorist Von Freeman in Chicago and now a New Yorker. Danish tenorist Harbeck was added, not always to advantage in my book, as he affects Gonsalves-like slitheriness in his solo incursions.

That said, Mullen and Paterson, who had not met prior to the session, fit together hand-in-glove, Paterson’s groove-based playing complemented by a strong swing sense and an avoidance of bombast. Mullen, now 78, is a one-man compendium of blues and bebop options, and finds good things to say throughout this rich mixture of standards and blues specials ‘Kiko’ by Jimmy McGriff works especially well, Paterson comping propulsively as Mullen comes in, light of touch and swinging, Harbeck following in wheezy fashion. Then again, there’s Mullen’s ballad capability as shown on ‘I’ll Close My Eyes’, Harbeck again sinuous, as Mullen opens up the melody and Paterson plays along. On the lovely ‘Angel Eyes’, the organist unfurls the melody, Harbeck softer, Mullen terse but to the point, Leth unobtrusive. Jim’s own ‘Medication’ is rather more intricate, a catchy tune that calls for guitar craft of a high order and gets it. So, a rewarding example of musical compatibility and a classy re-affirmation of Mullen’s prowess. Above all, it’s the stylistic affinity between Paterson and Mullen that pleases.