Ben Crosland Quintet: North York Skies

Bassist Ben Crosland's compositions are invariably rooted in strong melodies, but they are equally shaped by a sense of place. North York Skies is a heartfelt tribute to the North York Moors, celebrating the beauty, history, folklore and mythology of the upland national park in the English county of North Yorkshire. As Crosland explains, "The twelve compositions are inspired by the beauty and majesty of the Moors and the surrounding countryside, the legends and characters that abound there, and some personal connections with this lovely area."

Having only taken up the bass in the 1970s because nobody else in his band fancied the role, Crosland has gone on to become one of British jazz's most distinctive bassists. He also runs his own label, Jazz Cat Records, and has been tireless in championing venues, creating opportunities for musicians across the north of England and generally making the jazz world a happier place.

This recording features the Ben Crosland Quintet. Crosland reunites with his Threeway colleagues, trumpeter Steve Waterman and pianist Steve Lodder, while guitarist Chris Allard and drummer Nic France complete a line-up whose years of shared experience translate into an easy, instinctive musical rapport.

The open landscapes of the moors are portrayed in the title track, whose strong melody is set against an unhurried groove, with Lodder's Fender Rhodes lending warmth and color. Reflecting the rolling contours of the Howardian Hills, "Howardian Undulations" is a lively, engaging piece, with Waterman's fluent trumpet giving way to Allard's characteristically elegant guitar before France has fun driving the track and injecting some fiery breaks.

There is far more to the region than its spectacular scenery, and Crosland also draws inspiration from the historic North York Moors Railway, the RAF's early-warning system and the area's many ancient standing stones and burial mounds. The evocative "Ballad of Lilla Howe" draws on one such site, unfolding with quiet intensity through thoughtful solos from Waterman, Allard and Lodder.

Throughout the album, Crosland resists the temptation to dominate proceedings, preferring instead to anchor the music in an understated fashion. When he does step forward, however, as on "Fat Betty," his contribution is all the more effective. The gently unfolding "Breathing Space" is among the recording's high points, its lyrical melody complemented by Waterman's eloquent, finely judged solo. Elsewhere, "Purple Is the Colour" sparkles with absorbing interplay, while the gentle "The View From Room 12" possesses a quietly wistful charm.

This classy album is well recorded, produced and packaged. It may not contain an obvious show-stopping track, but that is hardly the point. Instead, Crosland and his outstanding quintet invite the listener on an immersive journey that captures the spirit of the landscapes and legends that inspired these compositions, rewarding them with over an hour of consistently engaging and thoughtful music.