Intensified commitment to the French-African drummer’s programme of “beautifully mutated grooves and jazzy themes” (to quote The Guardian) distinguishes Manu Katché’s third ECM album. Inside an all-new line-up, bassist Pino Palladino nonchalantly reinforces the groove element – he and Katché have much shared history as sessioneers – and helps the pulses of Manu’s tunes to dance. Pianist Rebello has both delicacy of touch and energy to burn, and saxophonist Brunborg, currently playing at a peak, solos passionately on Katché’s melodies. Guest guitarist Jacob Young shades and colours a handful of pieces, while Kami Lyle adds innocent vocals to “Stay With You”. Recorded in the South of France in December 2009, “Third Round” is poised to be one of the season’s jazz hits.

Tracklist:
1. Swing Piece
2. Keep On Trippin'
3. Senses
4. Being Ben
5. Une larme dans ton sourire
6. Springtime Dancing
7. Out Take Number 9
8. Shine and Blue
9. Stay With You
10. Flower Skin
11. Urban Shadow