Super review by Cal Gibson, of The Secret Soul Society.

Recorded live at The Fish Factory studio in London, guitarist and composer Greg Sanders hand picks three faultless accomplices (Ben Brown on drums, Tom Herbert on bass and Sam Rapley on tenor sax) and leads them through eight sparkling compositions that slide and glide their way into the innermost recesses of whatever it is that we’re calling our souls these days.

It’s low-key, understated and full of a quiet joy that only the finest musical practitioners can summon up. It’s chock full of micro-grooves and supple patterns, jazz meets soul meets worldwide vibes par excelsis. Four musicians locked in, locked down, listening and responding, peeling off lines full of subtlety and grace. It’s an absolute blast.

The opener, Fallout, unfolds over eight lovely minutes: Rapley’s sax probing, pulsing, hither and thither: bass and guitar pirouetting underneath, exploratory yet funk-fuelled. Four humans having fun, creating, debating: it’s devastatingly good. There’s a relaxed feel to proceedings that’s the hallmark of great musicianship: nothing to prove, and all the time in the world to lay it out in. Wise heads, nodding as one. An under the radar certified banger.

Vicentina hops and bops on Sander’s lithe riffs and Herbert’s loping basslines: a tango of togetherness providing a perfect bed for Rapley’s aural gymnastics. It’s subtle, beautifully constructed, a little marvel of precision and pleasure. Definitely a touch of Stan Getz in Rapley’s soulful strut. Harking back, sure, but completely modernistic in outlook at the same time. A continuum of musical excellence: the never-ending loop of human creation. Love it.

Family Tree bumps and humps along on Herbert’s flexi-bass boompty boomp. Yelfris Valdes on trumpet joining in the fun: Sanders picking out motifs around the neck of his instrument, pushing it along, pushing it along. A light souffle of tight-as-hell maestros making magic: if humanity is still shlepping around this time next century then chances are we’ll still be locking horns with this stuff – it’s that good.

Heddon Street plays us out and suddenly the world turns just that little bit sweeter. The dark days of winter have gone and, waddyaknow, here comes the sun and everything’s in bloom once more. We turn and turn again: melodies unfold, lives are lived, the great mysteries remain mysterious and that’s all right with us.

Do yourself a huge favour and add this wonderful album to your collection: you will not regret it. Bravo to all involved: you’ve nailed it people. Unmissable and just beautiful.

You can order Lophae’s Perfect Strangers directly from Bandcamp.