It is easier in a way because they are known quantities to consider established or iconic artists. Newer artists coming along shape fresh thinking however and frequently upset the applecart of tidy certainties and assumptions. Check in this regard for instance the original compositional approach of Dave Meder, on the Thelonious Monk and Jaki Byard influenced pianist’s album Passage released in early-February on the Outside in Music label where Meder managed to negotiate minimalism and more in a knowing blend that spans jazz and the contemporary classical disciplines. Even a flavour of gospel emerges.

A helping hand from the ubiquitous tenor saxophone master Chris Potter and alto sax icon Miguel Zenón does no harm at all either in transmitting the music to as many ears as possible via the continued interest in their work and the fascination of how they relate to an up and coming talent.

Meder is a pianist with a big future ahead of him and with this head start the way he can build on the momentum achieved here in an elegant showing will be a delicious prospect.