Superb, superb, superb. Trumpeter Enrico Rava has been blowing for the fine German label ECM since the 1970s, one of a core group who participate in a range of the label’s “chamber jazz” projects. The drummer on this session, Paul Motian, is another ECM regular. The others – pianist Stefano Bollani, saxophonist Mark Turner and bassist Larry Grenadier – are new to me.

New York Days is a set that has a low-key, slightly introverted, filmic quality to it that perfectly suits mid-Winter listening. Apart from a couple of group improvisations, these are all Rava’s compositions, and they really are gorgeous: stately, nimble, under-stated and minimalist in sound design terms.

It’s ridiculous, but any band led by a trumpeter is inevitably compared to Miles Davis; let it be said that Rava is his own, very distinctive voice, and while his style has some of the coiled ensemble beauty of Davis’s Kind Of Blue-era, his compositions are less groove-based and more eclectic. While some pieces are typically “ECM style” (ie, very European) at times Rava’s ensemble go straight for the jazz jugular with some remarkably mainstream, American-inspired sounds (well, it IS called New York Days).

As always, ECM recording quality is of a very high standard, and here, it complements the musical art perfectly. GARY STEEL

4 STARS