Johnny Hunter Quartet - While We Still Can

Manchester-based drummer and composer Johnny Hunter formed his quartet in 2011, handpicking Ben Watte (tenor saxophone), Graham South (trumpet) and Stewart Wilson (bass) from Manchester's burgeoning contemporary jazz scene to collectively explore the possibilities and challenges afforded by the absence of a harmony instrument.

Comprising largely of single takes recorded in one Stockport summer afternoon, 'While We Still Can' is a wonderful reflection of this group's collective understanding and sensitivity. These are intelligent, thoughtful compositions that inspire improvisations and ensemble performances of the highest calibre from every member of the quartet.

Hunter is increasingly in demand - aside from a leading a number of his own projects, he can be seen performing with Nat Birchall, Adam Fairhall, Cath Roberts' Sloth Racket, Mick Beck, Martin Archer, Blind Monk Trio and older brother Anton Hunter's trio and Article XI. Comfortable in a huge range of settings, he was featured in The Wire magazine's extensive piece on Manchester's new improv underground.

Great, distinctive, downtown-ish tunes - Jez Nelson, BBC Jazz on 3

There's a logic to [the compositions] deeply marinated in advanced jazz thinking convincingly absorbed and relayed, the right side of retro - Stephen Graham, Marlbank

It is cool, but it's also full of fire...references Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson and even John Zorn - Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here