Sandy Evans (saxophones), Brett Hirst (bass) and Toby Hall (drums) have been collaborating for 21 years, so they’re a tried and true combination. The empathy between them here is palpable. The Running Tide features 13 relatively short compositions by Evans, mostly mere snatches of musical experience, plus one tune composed by the three musicians. I found the music relaxed, joyful, melodic and compelling. This is not to say that the trio was averse to higher energy when it was called for, for example in Evans’s composition And You Are?, which is highly reminiscent of John Coltrane’s great recordings in ¾ time; and also to turbulence, as in Astral Poet Remembrance 1, Evans’ unaccompanied two-minute improvisation in honour of Cecil Taylor. Three of Australia’s greatest jazz musicians are playing here, with Evans’ virtuosity authentically captured. Hirst and Hall, no mere sidepersons, are able to establish brilliant rhythmic grooves throughout, and when called upon to solo, both come to the party with absolute authority. Importantly, the sound on this great album is immaculate, courtesy of leading recording engineer Ross A’hern. 

Eric Myers