Richard X Bennett

★★★★ RXB3

UBUNTU. CD/DL/LP

Evolving improvised melodies from bespoke patterns, the Indian ragaloving Bennett is a gifted pianist and graceful melodist, with subtle shades of Dave Grusin. Whether rolling up his sleeves on the jaunty Made From Stone, rejigging the blues on The Reckoning or tackling Bollywood standard Tum Hi Ho, the danceable quirkiness of his compositions – locked in by bassist Adam Armstrong and drummer Julian Edmond – rarely obscures their depth or poise.