British saxophonist Julian Siegel appeared at the Manchester jazz festival with an impressive new band, comprising double-bassist Orlando LeFleming, pianist Liam Noble and drummer Nicky Higginbottom. Judging by the scope and complexity of his compositions, it isn't hard to see why he sought out such high-calibre musicians. All three are no strangers to perilously virtuosic music yet their talents seemed pushed to the limit during this concert.

Siegel's tunes are ambitious, many-layered beasts, featuring labyrinthine harmonic structures and devilish rhythmical trickery. The only real concession to mainstream accessibility was the powerful sense of swing that prevailed throughout. As a saxophonist, Siegel proved himself a master of tension and release, striving for strident, panic-stricken peaks before suddenly swooping sensually downwards and reassuring us that everything was OK. Perfectly at home stating a spare, mellifluous melody, he also obviously relished churning up the scales, Coltrane-style.

The combination of LeFleming and Higginbottom made for a fiery and inventive rhythm section, yet Noble refused to be upstaged, hammering away at repeated chordal riffs before finally smashing them apart. His solo spot was unexpectedly tender, an ethereal reverie that was haunted by Debussy and Bartok. The highlight of the group pieces was Sandpit, a childhood-inspired tune. Beginning with some jabbing stops and starts, it quickly evolved into an obstacle course of chopping time changes and dazzling stylistic juxtapositions. Then came the strutting funk of Mice in the Maze, into which Higginbottom injected plenty of rhythmic unpredictability.

An initially cautious audience was eventually won over by the steam-roller momentum of this extremely accomplished ensemble. If Siegel's compositions were sometimes too clever and convoluted to have real emotional impact, they were at least delivered with hot blooded intensity and several buckets of sweat. A challenging evening, for musicians and audience alike.