An unusual record because it is so heart on sleeve and because it is so timeless in the sense that it doesn't really belong to any obvious era. But of course Shadows Linger has a wistful sense of composure and quiet, blinking in the dappled sunlight, dignity to it. Of course not cutting edge or anything like that but listen for what it is, not what it isn't. Melodic, full of great sax and trumpet unison playing and some peachy break out solos especially from saxist Michael Buckley on 'I Will Tell You Once More (That I Love You).' Tunes are by the still fairly unknown pianist John Donegan whose playing style reminds me of Brian Priestley and whose sometimes bebop-flavoured tunes are sunny and lightly tuneful. There's nothing pretentious here. Drummer John Daly keeps brisk time and gees the sextet along. I've heard John with his own band in Limerick's George Hotel and as with his combo bustles along injecting plenty of pace. And he comes into his own brightly on 'Once There's Love' which is where Linley Hamilton on trumpet is at his best. It's the sax playing Buckleys - Michael's brother Richie is also on the record - who grab some of the best passages. Donegan is unshowy and knows his limitations. Certainly bassist Dan Bodwell is unobtrusive and that modesty, that togetherness and lack of ego, ripples across from rhythm section to the horns and back again to build something that everyone should be proud of and puts a smile on your face as you listen. The tunes stay with you. Out now via this link