A VISIT to Square Chapel is always a tonic for the senses and it formed the captivating backdrop to Robert Mitchell's supreme piano playing, an exquisite blend of jazz improvisation and contemporary composition. The sounds and the space were, in short, a splendid complement.

Subtly understated bass from Tom Mason and restrained drums contributed by Richard Spaven gave warmth and depth to Mitchell's work.

Mitchell has played with a gallery of potent musicians and his three-piece band hints at Keith Jarrett's concentrated facility but is not afraid to add colour with some jaunty, Latin phrasing.

Each of the trio throws his creative hat into the ring. Worth saying too, that the venue's stately Steinway piano is becoming a star in its own right. Called "one beautiful piano" by the featured artist of the evening, the instrument has a sonorous beauty.

The only downside of an engaging occasion was the desperately sparse crowd. Dean Clough's jazz show of the previous evening seemed to have sapped local concertgoers' energies.