The muscular, no-frills modernism of The Heavy Hitters sextet celebrates the tight themes, strong solos and joyous beats of the Jazz Messengers tradition. Put together by saxophonist Eric Alexander and pianist Mike LeDonne, the band’s debut release delivers an all-original set that gives traditional virtues a contemporary twist. Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and alto saxophonist Vincent Herring are in sparkling form, and Peter and Kenny Washington on bass and drums deliver the bounce of well-crafted beats.

The album opens with fanfares of neatly harmonised horns and crisp rolls of drums. Attention grabbed, the twisty theme of “Hub”, a reference to trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, sets off with a fast walking bass. Later, the names of pianists Horace Silver and Cedar Walton are flagged up by the soulfully in-style “Silverdust” and “Cedar Land”, a new melody based on the harmonies of Walton’s composition “Holy Land”.

Elsewhere, the elegiac introduction to LeDonne’s “A New Day” sets up the optimism of a sprightly jazz waltz and Alexander’s “Chainsaw,” a funky blues, has a guest guitarist and a sting its tail. In contrast, the awkward harmonies of “This is Something New” are delivered effortlessly and zip along at speed.

Good tunes still need good solos to make the music grip, and here the band’s quality comes into its own. Trumpeter Pelt’s rounded tone, rhythmic panache and melodic flair stand out. But the soulfully flamboyant Herring and the poised and purposeful Alexander are contrasting but equally assured stylists. Lead composer/pianist LeDonne prods and probes thoughtfully in support and plays quicksilver lines at dazzling speed when taking the lead.

The ballad “Big Richard”, with composer Alexander strongly featured on alto sax, is a warm-hearted memorial to Alexander’s late father. “Bluesit” is the finale, a rollicking shuffle with solos for all and a dead stop ending.

★★★☆☆

‘The Heavy Hitters’ is released by Cellar Music Group