It’s a jazz story. A guitarist (Pete Oxley) asks some fellow musicians to play for his wife’s birthday. Being jazz musicians they are all happy to do this for the opportunity to be at the party. It was such a good party and the music had such a good vibe that several years later the same bunch of musicians have become a band. But now they don’t have to wait for another party invitation. As a group in their own right with the charming name of Jutta’s Party Band they are on their second tour of national jazz hot spots, including Pizza Express, in London’s Dean Street, and the Spin here in Oxford.

With a front line of Dave Gordon, Pete Oxley and Chris Garrick (pictured), supported by Ole Hayhurst and Russ Morgan, this is a group that benefits from that perfect mix of individuality and understanding. Violinist Garrick and pianist Gordon frequently work together and their contrasting styles give the first two angles of approach. While Garrick leaps and soars with his characteristic sharpness of attack and fluent lines augmented by effects on electric violin, Gordon has the ability to subdivide a line of music into a multitude of perspectives without for a moment losing the groove.

It’s a meeting of funk and post-bop with virtuosity on both sides. Alongside them the melodic and structured lines with a hint of blues from Oxley’s guitar gives the third dimension driving the music towards the Metheneyesque pastoral groove. Altogether a hot mix.

Add to this the unswerving bass of Oly Hayhurst and the restless, often deliberately understated, percussion of Russ Morgan and it’s no surprise that this ad hoc band has grown into something unique.

Starting with a beautifully coloured rendition of Spain, Jutta’s Party Band played originals by most of the band members, including Hayhurst’s delightfully individual Goat’s Boy, the Gordon favourite The Alchemist and the Catflap and even Garrick providing his own deadpan humorous imitation of Harry Konnick Jnr.