One of the few jazz stars who could write his own reviews and possibly sell them, Larry Coryell initially graduated in journalism from Washington State. And after half a century on the bandstand, his expertise as both musician and communicator is substantial. Last night, for instance, he neatly demonstrated how to ad-lib while keeping the band happy.

“Let’s give it up for Jeff Berlin — what a fantastic player,” he cried after a particularly dextrous bass-guitar solo. “Say, I wonder if this is a good time to discuss my pay,” countered Berlin with an opportunist grin. “No,” Coryell replied, “but stock options might become available.”

Guitar-trio is a stripped-down format that can create draughty gaps. Coryell, Berlin and drummer Paul Wertico left none. Their opener, Immer Gerade Aus — “That’s German for Straightahead, and dedicated to the late Ronnie Scott, who liked a German jazz joke” — was a potted-jazz-history workout that developed from bop to Wes Montgomery to modal jazz-rock in a dozen choruses.

More impressive was Coryell’s version of Very Early. Guitarists rarely attempt Bill Evans originals but this one was as richly voiced as the late pianist-composer’s own. Coryell, endorsing new Parker guitars, then switched to a round-hole semi-acoustic for a solo version of She’s Leaving Home. The Beatles classic enjoyed a nice mixture of instant improvisation and elegant counterpoint prepared in advance.

The set ended with Spaces Revisited, a nod to his proudest album, Spaces, cut in the Seventies with fellow young firebrands Chick Corea, Billy Cobham and John McLaughlin. This durable dream-team are still playing brilliantly.

Until tomorrow (020 7439 0747)