Peter Horsfall’s delicious gem of an EP, How Can We Know? was released recently, and was received with a loud and welcoming applause. And quite rightly so.

All four tracks are written by Peter with the exception of Cupid’s Arrow & Bow, which was co-written with the clever and talented Barb Jungr. Barb mentions on Peter’s press-release, what a joy it is to work with him. Peter is both a “delicate singer and a real jazz trumpeter” she says.

Well, I couldn’t agree more. In January last year, one of my favourite jazz bands, Kansas Smitty's, played at the Late Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s. Peter Horsfall was playing trumpet and singing as part of the band. It was an incredible gig and my review, for London Jazz News at the time, quoted “the magnificent Peter Horsfall, who, apart from playing trumpet, has the most delicious voice this side of the universe”. 

I stand by this quote, of course; Horsfall & co are just perfect. Although there are just four tracks, it is pure delight to listen to them and they have been on repeat on my player for a while now.

How Can We Know? is small, but perfectly composed and delivered.  Horsfall’s voice is at his best; he plays trumpet as an extension of his voice, almost. I love the way Joe Webb on piano accompanies Peter’s voice. Impeccable playing!

So why do we like How Can We Know? What is it that makes this EP so precious?  

As much as the answer is multi-layered, we can say it is for its sheer appeal to new and young audiences using an old style that has never really vanished. The jazz swing era; that unforgettable example of a time when music was truly a vital ingredient and was bringing innovation to the scene. Horsfall and co have found a way of bringing this, at times, intricate landscape and make it their own. An essential step towards appreciation and success by all kinds of audiences as the album’s reception clearly denotes!

The Peter Horsfall Quartet will play their lunchtime gig at Ronnie Scott’s on Sunday 27th November. Make sure you don’t miss this gig!