Jakob Dreyer? No us neither. But he has delivered one of the best debuts by a new leader this year and he surrounds himself with name players proving himself more than up with the stellar company that he keeps.

Most jazz fans will recognise at least the names of Jon Cowherd and Jason Rigby here on a classy straightahead session that doesn't go to church as much or even at all as its title might otherwise partially hint.

Rigby is on the new Mark Guiliana record The Sound of Listening for instance and best here on 'Kaspar.'

Pianist Cowherd has released one of 2022's very best records Pride and Joy which includes our top composition of the year, 'Little Scorpio' featuring Chris Potter.

Jimmy MacBride keeps exceptionally good time and like all the players here is a great listener and knows when to do more and crucially less while keeping things lively. His unshowiness on 'Legrand' is one delight.

As for bassist Dreyer this talented US-based German player sounds a bit like Larry Grenadier. Not easy to do. And there is taste in pursuing that sound. The tunes are very good.

A new name to get to know asap Dreyer's career to date has included work with pianist Alessandro Fadini (listen to an example of their work together above).