Pianist David Newton is, in Matt Skelton’s words, "one of our nation’s treasured pianists".

The man has a lovely touch; that is for certain. Scottish-born and educated at the Leeds College of Music, Newton’s recording career had begun in 1985 with Buddy De Franco and Martin Taylor and his first solo album was released in 1988.

He’s been the accompanist of choice for vocal royalty for years, and it’s easy to hear why: Newton’s musical responsiveness is as impressive as his re-harmonization and arranging skills at the piano. It can be a fine line between clever and stupid when it comes to re-setting musical chestnuts to the jazz format, but Newton bridges that gap by a good mile or more. He’s the kind of pianist every drummer and bass player could wish for.

Fittingly, Newton has been voted 'Best Jazz Pianist' in the British Jazz Awards for the thirteenth time in 2014 and was made a Fellow of Leeds College of Music in 2003.