Walking DarkEdition Records ****

Young, London-based trio Phronesis have become the standard bearers of the new generation of piano trios inspired by the late Esbjörn Svensson's influential EST, managing the same neat trick of making complex, challenging music that is nonetheless accessible enough to reach beyond the narrow confines of the jazz audience. Led by Danish bassist Jasper Høiby, with British pianist Ivo Neame and Swedish drummer Anton Eger, the trio are now on their fourth album. The third – Alive - won them national awards and international acclaim, so Walking Dark had a lot to live up to. They have met or exceeded those expectations with an impressive set of original material full of rhythmic surprises and taut group interplay. The title refers to the band's method of playing in complete darkness – an act of solidarity with Høiby's visually impaired sister – and indeed they play like three very attuned musicians who have little need of nods and winks. phronesismusic.com