Dave Chamberlain has been a leading double bass player on the UK scene for the last decade. He has performed and recorded extensively. Dave’s first recording as a leader showcases his new direction as a guitarist and draws together a range of material from swing to post-bop (including a number of originals), subjecting it to a stylish and classy treatment. His powerhouse trio, including virtuoso pianist Ross Stanley and top bassist Geoff Gascoyne, is joined by tenor ace Dave O’Higgins. Together they romp through an hour’s worth of music that alternates between subtle understatement and hard-edged swing. With the rhythm coming from the guitar rather than a drummer, the warm throb of the trio seduces and engages the ear. Dave is schooled in the swing tradition of the guitar and he nods playfully in the directions of Freddie Green, Bucky Pizzarelli, Grant Green, George Benson, Wes Montgomery and Eddie Lang. The interesting choice of tunes, entertaining arrangements and exploitation of different combinations of instrumentation all help to provide plenty of shape and variety. This album is most likely to yield a good deal of satisfying listening.