Distant Star

attracted the attention of during a 1994 cruise, so it's no surprise that the veteran saxophonist snapped him up the second there was a vacancy on the piano bench in his quintet. This trio session, with bassist and drummer , gives one a great opportunity to hear the inventiveness, passion, and intense ability to that makes one of the top musicians of his generation. The program is a cut above the usual play list, starting with two brilliant interpretations of standards, including a dancing and an introspective 's is not one of his better-known works, but 's crisp approach to this soft speaking tune should grab anyone's attention. The pianist contributed the tense miniature while is a brief, very captivating free improvisation by the trio. In addition to his superb work on bass, composed the subtle but twisting theme 's brushwork is an important ingredient to this highly recommended CD. An additional bonus is provided by ' hip, very enthusiastic liner notes. ~ Ken Dryden