After a memorable ECM debut with Eréndira, the talented quartet of saxophonist Ken Stubbs, pianist Django Bates, bassist Mike Hutton and drummer Martin France – aka First House – followed up with Cantilena, an even more effective piece of progressive jazz.

Of the many strengths First House possesses, it’s the compositional prowess that outshines the rest. The group’s robust musical ideas have immense staying power, and combined with such a smooth blend of forward thinking and classicism, you’d be as foolish as Oliver to ask for more from a jazz outfit.