AS A leader, British double bassist and composer Matt Ridley is a specifically investigative musician whose artistry is derived from a desire to create a strong, meaningful and structural purpose out of each initial glint of inspiration.

Following up his 2013 debut release Thymos on Whirlwind Recordings, his new album Mettã – a title and concept referencing themes of benevolence and goodwill – finds him progressing his shared creativity again with his quartet of pianist John Turville, drummer George Hart, and soprano saxophonist Jason Yarde, who appears here in a fuller, more centrally melodic role.

Captured within a single day, this is a studio recording brimming with passion and spontaneity.

The seven extended originals of Mett? arise from an almost strategic, compositional plan that inspires engaging extemporisation from all players. Removed from any notion of a conventional head/solo approach, Ridley’s musical landscape is one of focused rhythmic and improvisational invention that can both challenge and delight.

Ridley describes his quartet’s offering as “considered, composed/improvised music which might transport and entertain both listeners and players, creating and involving all in an awareness of the present – that’s something I feel strongly about.” The immersive experience of these fifty-or-so minutes suggests that intention is excitingly on-track.

There’s a chance to catch The Matt Ridley Quartet playing the only Welsh date of their current tour at Swansea Jazzland, St James Club, Swansea on May 4. More details at .mattridleybass.com