Anti- is one of my favourite labels mainly for one compelling reason: the marvellous Solomon Burke record Don't GIve Up On Me. Whatever style they turn to, moving much more up to the minute in terms of calendar years, Anti- show connoisseur chops in their A&Ring and general finessing of their releases. The records importantly as audio sound mighty fine, even if the musical style in question isn't much up my straße. The whole label approach tends to encourage new thinking and wards off gnawing complacency. Anti- don't really do jazz, however. Pianist/keyboardist Alfa Mist is not a purist but derives from a jazz sensibility, hyphenated to accommodate contemporary London currents, especially with last year's excellent On My Ones displayed an exceptional sound, drawing on jazz and more. I guess he won't be marketed as a priority to jazz heads but will be of interest to many.

The pianist was also on the compilation Blue Note: Re imagined currently no.1 in the Official UK specialist Jazz & Blues chart and will be on Anti- with Bring Backs because he has newly signed with the American label. 'Run Outs' from the 23 April release is streaming. Album personnel with Alfa Mist include Jamie Leeming on guitar, Kaya Thomas-Dyke on bass guitar and vocals, Jamie Houghton drums, Johnny Woodham trumpet and singer/rapper Lex Amor. SG