The UK jazz scene has no shortage of top jazz bassists. But few are as imaginative as Matt Ridley as he proves here on his brand new live album of his music which includes unreleased material plus live versions from his band the Antidote's 2021 studio album. Ridley, who has toured widely with Darius Brubeck in recent years, is with saxist Alex Hitchcock, guitarist Ant Law, pianist Tom Hewson and drummer Marc Michel and the five play complex but melodic and contemporary sounding instrumental music that has an anthemic feel and a punch to it. Hitchcock on 'Zelensky' provides one of the strongest passages of this feisty album which was recorded at Soho's Pizza Express Jazz Club, matched by his a cappella solo at the beginning of 'Adagio for the Fallen Stars,' much of it linked together in a suite and in Michel the band has a drummer who provides plenty of heat. Check Ridley's consummate virtuosity particularly at the beginning of 'Stranger Things'. Matt Ridley and the Antidote play the Vortex, London on Monday 30 October