Nat Birchall currently stands as one of the most acclaimed saxophonists in British jazz, his run of classic albums from 2009’s Akhenaten to last year's Afro Trane and Spiritual Progressions, has consistently resulted in rave reviews in both the jazz media and further afield, high placing in end-of-year lists, widespread airplay and a growing legion of passionate fans. Although Nat’s heartfelt connection to the spiritual jazz of John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders has been much commented upon, his compositions often emphasise bass lines and rhythms in a way that reaches back to the Jamaican music which first drew Nat to the saxophone. An unflashy player with a remarkably communicative saxophone sound, Nat and his fellow band members play with the selfless motivation and unwavering focus that is necessary to produce this soulful, stately music.