'Identity By Subtraction', the title track of Denys Baptiste's new album to be scheduled for release later in the year, was played live for the first time last night along with other songs from the new album.

Performing at the Hideaway club in Streatham on tenor and soprano saxophones, Baptiste, whose last album Let Freedom Ring! was released seven years ago, first made an impact on the UK jazz scene as a member of the late Bheki Mseleku's touring group in 1994 when Baptiste was touching his mid-twenties.

As a tribute to Mseleku, Baptiste performed the sophisticated and tender unreleased 'Song For You' (quoting slightly from 'If I Should Lose You') in a set that contained some exquisite ballads and driving, fast, hard bop.

Baptiste, from west London of St Lucian descent, brought his quartet who also feature on the album to be released by his long time label Dune which recorded his other albums Let Freedom Ring referred to above; Alternating Currents; and his Mercury-nominated debut from 1999, Be Where You Are.

Andrew McCormack on piano played effectively and astutely with Baptiste throughout, especially on 'Tunnel Vision' which featured on MY Duo, the album McCormack released last year with saxophonist / composer / producer, Jason Yarde.

Drummer Rod Youngs was joyfully propulsive throughout the evening (and at times dipped into a multi-directional style) while bassist Gary Crosby's ballad 'Ja-nine' was a highlight of the latter part of the first set. Baptiste's 'Special Times' dedicated to his family was accessible and engaging and the clubgoers warmed to a fine quartet performance, a taster for an album that will mark the welcome return of Denys Baptiste.

‒ Stephen Graham