Drawing on repertoire from Broadway, the Great American Songbook and classic pop, the album brings together thirteen standards that have long shaped the language of jazz. These songs, by some of the 20th century’s most enduring writers, are presented here in newly crafted arrangements by Strong, expanded through the lush string orchestrations of Callum Au (Michael Bublé, Quincy Jones, Jamie Cullum).

Of course, there’s plenty of romance nestled inside the thirteen tracks, but the album shines a light on the quirky, cute, innocent and forbidden aspects of love too. There’s the passion of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Some Enchanted Evening, the playful charm of No Two People, the darker edge of Cole Porter’s Love For Sale — with a nod to Ray Charles — and the intimacy of If You Leave Me Now, reimagined as a bossa nova featuring guest vocalist Pamina Beroff.

Anthony is best known for his high-energy, hard-swinging performances, which have taken him to clubs and festivals across North America, Europe and Asia over the past 18 years – including appearances with some of the world’s leading big bands. With this latest offering, however, he reveals a more expansive, orchestral side to his work.

Yes, there are virtuosic musicians, blistering solos and soaring orchestrations but, at its heart, And Then We Kiss… is an album for romantics — for those in love, those searching for it, and those who recognise it in a great song.