Bloor StreetEdition ****

The brilliant British altoist Martin Speake has a congenial setting in the Secret Quartet, with Nikki Iles (piano), Duncan Hopkins (bass) and Anthony Michelli (drums). Their material (originals by Speake, Iles and Hopkins), combines character and complexity with a natural, distinctive flow, to which the quartet responds in like manner.

The group's internal balance is striking, with the surefooted interaction affording the soloists a certainty of response they can trust – it's particularly evident in some exquisite rubato playing on Time to Evolveand Make Some Memories.

Speake and Iles have much to say that is personal, interesting and exciting, while Hopkins and Michelli contribute inventively to the fluid dialogue of a superbly together group. And, for all its poise, accuracy and considered thoughtfulness, the music has not been honed to bloodless perfection.

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