The John Horler Quartet: Not a Cloud in the Sky – review

Probably best-known for his long collaboration with John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, John Horler is a quiet, dedicated, gently humorous man, the kind of musician whose work steals up on you. His piano playing, almost placid on the surface, is full of unexpected turns and hidden surprises. He is joined for this set by Sam Mayne, a splendid young alto saxophonist making his recording debut as a featured soloist. Throughout these nine pieces, mostly Horler's compositions, there is a marvellous rapport between them, elegantly supported by bassist Chris Laurence and drummer Spike Wells.