Andy Panayi, a stalwart of the British jazz and session scenes since the 1980s, has always set himself the highest musical standards. While many saxophonists “double” with varying degrees of success, Andy plays the piccolo, concert, alto and bass flutes like a specialist.

He has a huge tone, great intonation and facile technique. Matched with his infallible ear, lovely time feel, and fertile imagination, they result in superb jazz performances. The quartet can be a very exposed place, even for the most experienced of soloists – as Orrin Keepnews has said, “Primarily, it’s a matter of whether they have enough to say, and enough different things.” Andy passes both the Keepnews tests with distinction, giving the performance of a lifetime in this varied programme.

Flute to the Power of Four is a gem of an album featuring a brilliant virtuoso in very good company and at the top of his game

Written by Alan Barnes.