There is no mathematical formula for musical performance. Putting two exceptional players on to the same band stand does not necessarily double the musical value. But pianist Pat Thomas together with vibraphonist Orphy Robinson on the Spin’s modest stage was similar to making two and two come to five. There was a magical addition to the sum of both players that led to music far outreaching any dry calculation.

The evening was based on a selection of tunes by Thelonious Monk played largely without a break so one melody flowed seamlessly into the next, with subtle introductions from either piano or vibes, after which the next melody would rise suddenly from one or other instrument.

The dark beauty of music like Monk’s is emphasised by allowing it to appear rather than beginning starkly after a count of four. Thomas and Robinson are both entirely at home with this music and Thomas is undoubtedly the country’s leading exponent of all Monk’s work. He has the uncanny ability to lift the tunes out of the often closed box of the harmonies and by coming in at a multitude of angles, sometimes simultaneously, he is able to create a constantly renewable music.

This is what jazz should be. Not the regurgitation of the expected but the reworking of a given piece so it becomes something new. That both Thomas and Robinson are experienced free improvisers gives them the audacity to break into a piece of music and wrestle from it new shapes and colours. Part of the secret is their respect for Monk’s music, part lies with their phenomenal techniques and part is the almost unnerving flow of ideas.

The evening was further enhanced by the generosity of these two players not only towards each other, but also towards the rest of the band. Raf Mizraki on bass and Mark Doffman on drums were both given room to show off their own considerable talents and musical initiative. Near the end of the evening Orphy Robinson took the mike and pointing to Pat Thomas exclaimed: “This guy is amazing!”

Indeed they both are.