A great blowing record and probably the best chance yet to revel in the sheer exuberance of the colossal alto playing of Rudresh Mahanthappa. This trio setting allows him plenty of room to roam and he is in the company of two fine players in François Moutin on acoustic bass and Rudy Royston on drums. They let him do his thing and factor in plenty of supportive touches. But this record is all about the alto. It's also a strong bebop statement but Rudresh manages not to indulge himself too much and just sound retro although there are moments when he does add that extra element of dreamy nostalgia. 'Barbados' is one of the best tracks, the bebop warhorse is set up in a sinuous unusual fashion, you'd be pushed to recognise what the tune will be for a while. Hero trio also includes plenty of staples, 'I Can't Get Started' and 'I'll Remember April' among them, with the quirky inclusion of 'Ring of Fire' providing a little off-piste fun. Highly recommended. One of Whirlwind's best releases in ages.