Jez Nelson interviews Tim Richards and introduces a performance by the pianist's nine-piece group Great Spirit, recorded at the Sage, Gateshead, in November 2006. The line-up features stars of the UK jazz scene, including saxophonist Tony Kofi , vibes player Roger Beaujolais and bassist Ed Jones , as well as Finnish saxophonist Jari Perkiomaki. Richards, a respected educator, composer and performer, first came to prominence with the influential British group Spirit Level, formed in 1979.